History and architecture
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Montmartre, the “Mount of Martyrs”
From the dawn of time Montmartre has been a place of worship : from the Druids of ancient Gaul, through the Romans with their temples dedicated to Mars and Mercury, to the Church of Saint Peter, the oldest in Paris, rebuilt in the 12th century next to the Royal Abbey of Montmartre by Louis VI (...)
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The origin of the construction of the Basilica, a “National Vow”
In 1870 war broke out between France and Germany. The Council that was being held in the Vatican at the time was suspended and the Pope, no longer under the protection of French troops, considered himself a prisoner within the Vatican. France was defeated and partially occupied by German (...)
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Architecture
Construction
The Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie. Six other architects succeeded him to complete the building.
Style : Romano-Byzantine
In contrast to the Gothic churches of the Middle Ages like Notre-Dame de Paris (1163-1240), the style is inspired by churches such as Saint Sofia in (...)
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The Apse Mosaic
Inaugurated in 1923, the 475 square metre Mosaic of Christ in Glory by Olivier Merson, H. M. Magne and R. Martin is one of the largest mosaics in the world. It represents the risen Christ, clothed in white and with arms extended, revealing a golden heart. Surrounding him, in various sizes, a (...)
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The Grand Organ
The grand pipe organ of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is unanimously considered to be one of the most remarkable in Paris, France and Europe. Built in 1898, it is the last great instrument built by the illustrious Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. It was originally commissioned by Baron Albert de (...)
