Basilique du Sacré Coeur: History & Things to Do

So you’re in Paris and want to learn more about the city’s history and architecture. What better place to start than Basilique du Sacré Coeur? This beautiful church is a must-see for any traveler to Paris.

You can learn about the church’s history and explore the various exhibits and art galleries on site. Whether you’re interested in the church’s magnificent architecture or want to soak up the beautiful atmosphere, Basilique du Sacre Coeur is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Paris.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur can be challenging to visit if you’re unfamiliar with Paris’s layout. The basilica is outside the city’s main tourist areas in the Montmartre district. Getting to Basilique du Sacre Coeur can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to plan and research before your visit.

What is Basilique du Sacré-Cœur?

Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is a church located in Paris, France. Located on the top of the Montmartre hill, looking like a big and round cake (oriental inspiration), it is visible from a few places in Paris and outside.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, known for its beautiful design and the great view from the top of Montmartre. The church was built in the late 19th century and is a prime example of Romanesque Revival design.

The building features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a grand dome tower that soars over 100 feet high.

History

The history of Sacré-Cœur is a bit complicated, as the basilica has a long and storied past. The idea for the church first came about in 1858, when a group of Catholic priests began raising money to build a church in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The building of the cathedral was ordered to remember the 58,000 victims of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871 (under Napoleon III) and the “Bloody Week” of the Commune in Paris. However, construction on the church finally began after the Paris Commune, a violent uprising of Parisian workers in 1871.

The design and construction of Sacré-Cœur were heavily influenced by French neo-Byzantine design. The building is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture, with intricate carvings and decorative features.

The basilica was finally completed in 1914, just in time for the start of World War I. However, due to the war, it was not consecrated until 1919.

Since its completion, Sacré-Cœur has become one of Paris’s most popular tourist destinations. Millions of visitors come to see the church every year, and it is one of the city’s most photographed buildings.

Architecture of Sacré-Cœur

When you visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you’ll see it is a striking example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The building features soaring arches, graceful columns, and beautiful stained-glass windows that let in plenty of natural light.

At the top of the basilica, a grand dome soars over 100 feet high, making it the highest point in Paris. The basilica’s exterior is white stone, making it stand out against the Paris skyline.

If you want to learn more about the features of Sacré-Cœur, there are guided tours available that will take you inside the basilica and explain all of the different features.

How to Get There

The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur can be reached by climbing the steps or taking the “funiculaire,” a sort of elevator or teleferique. You can also climb to the top of the dome for an even better view of Paris. A ticket must be purchased at a vending machine outside the basilica to enter the dome.

Sacré-Cœur is located in the Montmartre district of Paris, outside the main tourist areas. The best way to get to Sacré-Cœur is by metro. The closest metro station is Anvers, which is located on line 2.

Once you exit the metro, you must walk up a long flight of stairs to get to the church. This can be challenging if you’re not used to walking up hills, but the great views from the top are well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see the miles and miles of Paris city center.

If you’re not up for walking, a funicular cable car runs from the bottom of Montmartre Hill to the basilica. The funicular is a bit more expensive than taking the metro, but it’s a fun way to get to Sacré-Cœur if you’re short on time.

See Related: Top 10 Bridges to Visit in Paris

What to See and Do at Sacré-Cœur

Once you arrive at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, there is plenty to see and do. The building houses several art galleries that showcase beautiful works by local artists and a museum that details the basilica’s construction.

Visitors can also tour the basilica to learn more about its architecture and design. There is plenty to see and do at Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, so planning your visit is a good idea.

One of the most popular things to do at Sacré-Cœur is to take a basilica tour, which offers free entry and fantastic views of Paris, including the amazing Eiffel Tower.

Visiting the dome and crypt

If you’re visiting Paris, you may wonder whether it’s worth going to the top of the Sacre Couer. While the views from the top of the domes are certainly panoramic, we don’t think it’s the best way to see Paris. Other monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Archipelago provide better birds-eye views.

In addition, visiting the inner basilica is not a particularly enjoyable experience. However, we recommend doing so if you want to see the crypt. It’s well worth looking at this underground space, even though there’s not much to see.

If you want to visit a beautiful basilica in Paris, France, be sure to add Basilique du Sacré-Cœur to your list!

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