Sacré-Cœur is a basilica located in the Montmartre area of Paris, France. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris, with over 11 million visitors in 2018. The basilica was built in 1871 as a token of gratitude to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for sparing France from the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune.
Sacré-Cœur was designed by architect Paul Abadie in the Romano-Byzantine style. It was consecrated in 1919, and it has been a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike ever since. The basilica is situated on top of the Butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city, and it offers spectacular views of the Paris skyline.
History
The history of Sacré-Cœur dates back to 1873, when the French National Assembly voted to construct a basilica on the Butte Montmartre in gratitude for the victory of the Franco-Prussian War. The original plans for the basilica called for a Gothic Revival style, but architect Paul Abadie changed it to the Romano-Byzantine style. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914.
The basilica was consecrated in 1919, and it has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. It is also an important site of pilgrimage for Catholics, who come to pray at the shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Architecture
The basilica of Sacré-Cœur is an example of the Romano-Byzantine style of architecture. It features a white stone façade, two massive bell towers, and a large dome. The interior is equally impressive, with a large central nave, ornate marble floors, and intricately carved walls and ceilings.
Facades
The main facade of the basilica is a white stone structure, with two bell towers and a central dome. The facade is decorated with mosaics and sculptures depicting the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The two bell towers are adorned with statues of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Interior
The interior of the basilica is equally impressive, with its ornate marble floors and intricately carved walls and ceilings. The basilica also houses several works of art, including paintings by French artists Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux and Charles-Joseph Natoire.
Notable Features
- The Sacred Heart of Jesus shrine – The most important feature of the basilica, the shrine contains a replica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is believed to have miraculous healing powers.
- The Crypt – Located beneath the basilica, the crypt is the resting place of several prominent French figures, including French president Georges Pompidou and poet Paul Verlaine.
- The Funicular – The funicular is a cable car that takes visitors up to the basilica from the bottom of the Butte Montmartre.
Sacré-Cœur is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, and it is an important destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike. With its spectacular views and impressive architecture, it is no wonder that it is one of the most visited attractions in the city.
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