The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, located in the northern suburb of Paris, France. It was founded in the early 8th century by the Merovingian king Dagobert I, who dedicated it to the patron saint of Paris, Saint Denis. The cathedral has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries, and is the burial site of many French kings and queens.
History of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis was founded in the 7th century as a Benedictine monastery. It was built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the god Jupiter, and was the first Gothic cathedral to be built in France. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent a number of renovations and additions, including the installation of a new nave, choir, and crypt in the 12th century. The building was damaged by fire in the 14th century and was restored in the 15th century. The cathedral has been the burial site of many French kings and queens since the 11th century.
Architecture of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is made up of two parts: the choir, which is the main part of the building, and the nave, which is the side chapel. The choir is made up of two main sections, the ambulatory and the chevet. The ambulatory is a large round hall with seven radiating chapels, and the chevet is a semicircular apse with a crypt beneath it. The nave is composed of five aisles and three transepts, and is decorated with a variety of sculptures and stained glass windows.
Notable Features of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is home to a number of notable features, including:
- The crypt, which houses the tombs of French kings and queens.
- The nave, which is decorated with a variety of sculptures and stained glass windows.
- The chevet, which is a semicircular apse with a crypt beneath it.
- The ambulatory, which is a large round hall with seven radiating chapels.
- The stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible.
- The sculpture of the Virgin Mary, which is located above the entrance to the cathedral.
Visiting the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is open to visitors year-round. Admission is free, but visitors must adhere to the dress code, which includes wearing appropriate clothing and taking off hats and sunglasses. The cathedral is wheelchair accessible and has audio guides available for those with hearing impairments. Guided tours are available, and visitors are encouraged to attend the weekly Sunday Mass.