Attracting around 10 million visitors every single year, the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris is amongst the city’s top tourist attractions and is definitely worthy of a visit.
Situated at the top of Montmartre Hill and close to many of our Paris holiday apartments, this immense basilica not only boasts some truly incredible architecture but also offers some of the most breath-taking views out over the city. Positioned within the 18th arrondissement of Paris, within the popular Montmartre neighbourhood, the Sacre Coeur Basilica is said to be the second most visited landmark in the city and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Located at the peak of the 150 metre high Montmartre Hill, the top of the basilica is one of the highest points in Paris, rivalling the city’s iconic giant, the Eiffel Tower. Still in use to this day as a Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Sacre Coeur holds regular masses and daily confessions which are open to the public.
Translated to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Sacre Coeur was the result of a ‘National Vow’, to create a superb place of worship within the city following the war in 1870. A competition was held in 1874, inviting architects to submit their designs for the basilica, the winner of which was Paul Abadie. The first stone was laid on 16th June 1875 and construction continued for almost 40 years. In 1919, the Sacre Coeur Basilica was finally consecrated by Cardinal Amette, the Archbishop of Paris, presided by Cardinal Vico, legate of Pope Benedict XV.
From the outside, the basilica is recognised by its striking architecture, huge white domes and impressive staircase which leads up the hillside to a spacious forecourt. The structure was built using Chateau-Landon, a type of travertine stone which reacts with water to secrete calcite, which in effect bleaches the stone and keeps the building a bright, white colour. During the evenings, the whole of the front of the Sacre Coeur is beautifully illuminated, creating a simply stunning and memorable sight.
The interior is also a remarkable sight and is brimming with an array of fascinating features and eye catching exhibits, such as the picturesque stained glass windows, the enchanting crypt and the fascinating Grand Organ. The organ dates back to the late 1800s and was classed as a national monument in 1981. Another famous feature within the Sacre Coeur Basilica is the magnificent ‘Christ in Glory’, which can be found within the apse. This fabulous mosaic is one of the largest of its kind in the entire world and measures an incredible 475 square metres.
Possibly one of the most popular aspects of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, and one which is highly recommended, is the building’s main, central dome. Standing at 83 metres high, the dome is accessible via a 300 step staircase (admission charges do apply), which leads out onto a viewing platform. It is here that visitors can expect to see one of the best views of the city of Paris, with many of the city’s well-known attractions standing out on the horizon.
Further information relating to admission fees, together with opening times and practical information can be found on the basilica’s official website – www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/.
2006-2021 © ApartmentsInParis.com. Privacy Statement | Terms and Conditions