Sacred-heart basilica
Paris’most precious jewel
Perched on its hill, the Sacred-heart basilica has kept a watchful eye on Paris for more than a century. From the top of its 129m, the pride of the French capital looks down on the tiny houses at its feet, with an imposing air. Under its white veil, its pointy dome looks like a meringue, firmly holding its place as Paris’ highest point. Romantic, religious and architectural symbol, its visit is ineluctable.
Among all the means to reach the much-praised top of the Montmartre hill, the fittest will tackle the steep stairs from the Square Louise Michel and those in a hurry will get into the funicular which will throw them out before the sacred doors. The ascent to the top can also be approached via the rue Lepic whose market had been made famous by ‘Amelie from Montmartre’. The street ordered by Bonaparte in order to avoid the incommodious scramble has since long welcomed the greatest: Vincent Van Gogh lived at number 54 at his brother Theo’s place from 1886 to 1888. Whatever the way, it is the finish that matters and even exhausted, the gift is too great to miss out on.
Sacred Heart
One of the most visited monuments in Paris and in Europe, the Sacred-Heart delights by its imposing beauty, sometimes praised, sometimes criticised and often misunderstood. The monument whose first stone was laid in 1875 is sublimated by its neighbourhood, Montmartre, whose charm hardly needs to be described here. Its construction handled by architect, Paul Abadie was finally over in 1913. Not less than 78 candidates fought over the design of the beauty that was going to become one of the most recognised Parisian symbols throughout the world. It would also become the source of inspiration of many buildings to come.
High up on its hill, the basilica is the highest point in Paris. Once at the top, the capital is all yours, offering itself in wonderful panoramic views. The building is of Romano-Byzantine style, two architectural canons which gave it its eclectic style. In the shape of a Greek cross, the basilica is formed of 4 domes whose meringue aspect gives it a slight air of an Arabian night mosque. The structure is overhung by an 80m high central dome.
Norvins street
But what is most striking from the outside is its sparkling dress of pristine white stone which gives the Sacred-Heart its well-known charm. The stone used for its construction was extracted from a XIIth century Chateau Landon quarry. Its choice was not random since the stone has the particularity of whitening during rainfall, thus preserving the distinct brightness of the building. The secret of this stone is calcite, a substance which exudes when in contact with water. You might also notice that the parts of the basilica most sheltered from the rain are also the darkest.
It is now time to penetrate in the half-light of the basilica through one of two doors to each side of the main entrance. We reach a vast alley decorated in a Romano-Byzantine style and where two paths part towards the choir. If you look up, you will be bathed in the light that comes out of the 55m high dome. The apse’s ceiling is the décor of the world’s largest mosaic which measure 465m² and represents the Christ. Further, the choir is surrounded by an ambulatory which gives onto 7 chapels. The place is quiet and appeasing and all are invited to make the most of such a peaceful moment.
By Alice Cannet
Published : April 29, 2010
Photo credit : © S.I Montmartre
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