The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica located at the summit of the butte Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Christian symbol of love and compassion. The basilica is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, and it is the second-most visited monument in the city, after the Eiffel Tower.
History of the Basilica
The basilica was designed by the architect Paul Abadie and was completed in 1914. The construction of the basilica was commissioned by the Society of the Sacred Heart, a religious order founded in France in 1805. The society wanted to commemorate the centennial of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.
The basilica was consecrated in 1919, and it was declared a minor basilica in 1922. In 1926, the basilica was given the title of “Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre”.
Architecture of the Basilica
The basilica is an example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. It is composed of two distinct parts: the lower church and the upper church. The lower church is the more traditional part of the basilica and it contains the tombs of some of the members of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
The upper church is the more modern part of the basilica and it contains the main altar, the stained glass windows, and the mosaics. The basilica also contains several chapels, including the Chapel of the Virgin, the Chapel of St. Joseph, and the Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
Features of the Basilica
The basilica is a popular tourist attraction and it is renowned for its grandiose and spectacular views of Paris. The basilica is also known for its stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible. The basilica also contains several mosaics and sculptures, including the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The basilica also contains a crypt, which houses the remains of several prominent figures, including the composer Jacques Offenbach and the painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Events at the Basilica
The basilica is the site of many events, including concerts, religious ceremonies, and processions. Every year, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the basilica holds a candlelit procession in which the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is carried around the basilica.
The basilica also hosts the annual Montmartre Festival, a week-long celebration of music, art, and culture. The festival includes performances by local and international musicians, art exhibitions, and a variety of activities for children and adults.
Visiting the Basilica
The basilica is open daily from 8:30am to 7:30pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The basilica is also accessible by metro and bus.
The basilica is a popular tourist attraction and a beautiful example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. It is a symbol of faith and devotion and is a great place to visit for anyone who is interested in religious history or art.