by So you’re in Paris, and you 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 history of the church, as well as explore the various exhibits and art galleries on site. Whether you’re interested in the church’s magnificent architecture or simply 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 a challenge to visit if you’re not familiar with the layout of Paris. The basilica is located in the Montmartre district, which is a bit outside of the main tourist areas in the city.
Getting to Basilique du Sacre Coeur can be a bit tricky, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and do some research before your visit.
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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 and is known for its beautiful design and 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.
Sacré-Cœur 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, it wasn’t until after the Paris Commune, a violent uprising of Parisian workers in 1871, that construction on the church finally began.
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, the basilica was not consecrated until 1919.
Since its completion, Sacré-Cœur has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris. Millions of visitors come to see the church every year, and it is one of the most photographed buildings in the city.
Architecture of Sacré-Cœur
When you visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you’ll see that the basilica is a striking example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The building features soaring arches and graceful columns, as well as beautiful stained glass windows that let in plenty of natural light.
At the top of the basilica, there is a grand dome that soars over 100 feet high at the highest point in Paris. The exterior of the basilica is made of white stone, which makes it stand out against the skyline of Paris.
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 to Sacré-Cœur
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur may be reached by climbing the steps or taking the “funiculaire,” which is 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 of the basilica in order to enter the dome.
Sacré-Cœur is located in the Montmartre district of Paris, which is a bit outside of the main tourist areas. The best way to get to Sacré-Cœur is by taking the metro. The closest metro station is Anvers, which is located on line 2.
Once you exit the metro, you will need to walk up a long flight of stairs to get to the church. This can be a bit 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 miles and miles of all of Paris city center.
If you’re not up for walking, there is also a funicular cable car that 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, as well as a museum that details the basilica and its construction.
Visitors can also take a tour of the basilica to learn more about its architecture and design.
There is plenty to see and do at Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance.
One of the most popular things to do at Sacré-Cœur is to take a tour of the basilica which offers completely free entry and fantastic views of Paris, including the amazing Eiffel Tower.
Visiting the dome and crypt
If you’re visiting Paris, you may be wondering whether it’s worth going up 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. There are other monuments that provide better birds-eye views, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Archipelago.
In addition, visiting the inner basilica is not a particularly enjoyable experience. However, if you’re interested in seeing the crypt, we recommend doing so. It’s well worth taking a look at this underground space, even though there’s not much to see.
If you’re looking to visit a beautiful basilica while in Paris, France, be sure to add Basilique du Sacré-Cœur to your list!
FAQ
Where is Sacré-Coeur located?
Paris.
How can I get to Sacré-Cœur?
There are several options for getting to Sacré-Cœur, including taking the metro or riding the funicular cable car.
What can I see and do at Sacré-Coeur?
Some popular activities at Sacré-Cœur include taking a guided tour of the basilica, exploring its art galleries, and taking in panoramic views from atop its dome. You can also visit its crypt if you’re interested in learning more about this underground space
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