Description
The Sacré Cœur is a famous basilica of the Catholic church in the Montmartre district in Paris. In 1875 the foundation stone for the church was laid. Up to 1914, the year in which the construction ended, there had been 7 architects involved in the project.
Architecture
The architectural style of the Sacré Cœur basilica is reminiscent of Roman-Byzantine churches such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It is particularly accentuated by its white colour and the many ornaments. The white colour has been well preserved due to the special stones the church consists of. The stones react with rain and have therefore kept bleaching out in the course of time. This way the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur constantly remains white.
The apsis displays one of the largest mosaics in the world, which Jesus is depicted on with a burning heart. The church was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which wasn't typical at all then. At that time, the adoration of the Virgin Mary was prevailing. But the basilica also contains several national symbols such as the crests of Jeanne d'Arc and Louis IX.
Visit Sacré Coeur
The surroundings of the church are a tourist attraction too. Located directly in the artists' quarter Montmartre, many visitors choose to visit the area on foot starting at the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, the highest point of the city, making it visible from afar. One can enjoy a 360° view on the whole of Paris and of course all sights the metropolis has to offer.
Admission to the basilica is free of charge.
How to get there
By public transport
It's best if you use metro line 2 to get here, getting off at the station “Anvers”.
Alternatively, you can use the city's bus lines 30, 31, 54, 80 or 85. The buses take you to the Montmartre district. Once you're here, it's up to you whether you want to have a stroll through the artists' quarter, which is quite famous for its charm or use the Funiculaire de Montmartre, a funicular, to climb the mountain up to the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.