Sacré-Coeur in Paris (France) - basilica on top of Montmartre
Where is located Sacré-Coeur?
Address of Sacré-Coeur is 35, rue du Chevalier de la Barre 75 018, Paris, France
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When was built Sacré-Coeur?
Built date of Sacré-Coeur is Years 1875-1919
Facts, informations and history of Sacré-Coeur
Sacré-Coeur, also known as Basilica of the Sacred Heart, is one of the most characteristic and iconic buildings in Paris. Perched on the top of Montmartre hill, it attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. But what really makes this white basilica so special? Let's delve into its history, architecture and significance to understand its uniqueness.
History of Sacre-Coeur
The history of Sacré-Coeur dates back to a turbulent period in the history of France. In 1870, after the defeat of France in the war with Prussia and the fall of Paris, the country was in a state of chaos. In 1872, the Archbishop of Paris, fulfilling the request of a resident of the city, Mr. Legentil, decided to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was a symbolic action aimed at lifting the nation's spirit and restoring faith in a better tomorrow.
Design competition and construction challenges
The National Assembly announced a competition for the design of a new basilica, for which 78 works were submitted. The winner was Paul Abadie, an architect already known for building two cathedrals in France. Its design, modeled on the St. Cathedral The front in Périgueux stood out not only for its aesthetics, but also for its functionality and symbolism.
The construction of Sacré-Coeur began in 1875 and lasted until 1914, although it was officially completed only after the end of World War I. The challenges the builders faced were enormous. The basilica was built on 33-meter-high pillars to balance the unstable foundation of the Montmartre hill. As a result, the building is not only majestic, but also an engineering marvel of its time.
Architecture and Interior of the Basilica
Sacré-Coeur is distinguished by its white domes, which reach 79 meters and are visible from almost every corner of Paris. This is why the basilica is, right after the Eiffel Tower, the highest point in the city. The external architecture of Sacré-Coeur, inspired by the Roman-Byzantine style, attracts attention with its simplicity and elegance. In front of the temple there are statues of Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis, two figures extremely important for French history and culture.
Interior of the basilica
The interior of the basilica is as impressive as its exterior. Beautifully decorated mosaics, designed by Luc-Olivier Merson, decorate the interior and give it a unique character. The largest mosaic shows Christ with outstretched arms and is one of the largest in the world.
One of the most impressive elements of the basilica is the Savoyarde' bell. It weighs as much as 19 tons and is one of the heaviest bells in the world. This bell, a gift from the Savoy region, symbolizes the unity and strength of the French nation.
Meaning and Symbolism of Sacré-Coeur
Sacré-Coeur is not only a tourist attraction, but above all an important place of pilgrimage. Every year, thousands of believers come here to pray and pay homage to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Ephrem Hotel, adjacent to the basilica, offers accommodation for pilgrims who can book rooms there for the duration of their stay.
The construction of Sacré-Coeur was a response to the misfortunes that befell France at the end of the 19th century. The basilica is a symbol of recovery after the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and the Civil War. For many French people, it is a symbol of hope and rebirth, a reminder of the values that form the foundations of their society.
You cannot miss the wonderful view from the top of the Sacré-Coeur dome. The panorama of Paris, visible from a distance of 30 km in each direction, is a real feast for the eyes. For tourists and residents of Paris, this view is not only a visual attraction, but also a spiritual experience that allows you to look at the city from a different perspective.
Interesting facts about Sacré-Coeur
An interesting fact is that the white domes of the basilica owe their color to a special type of stone - travertine, which has the ability to clean itself during rain. Thanks to this, Sacré-Coeur always looks fresh and impressive, regardless of weather conditions.
During the construction of the basilica, workers had to face various difficulties, including the unstable ground of the Montmartre hill. To prevent the structure from collapsing, the foundations of the basilica were placed on 83 pillars that penetrate deep into the ground. It was quite a challenge, but thanks to it Sacré-Coeur remains stable to this day.
The Ephrem hotel adjacent to the basilica is a special place for pilgrims. It is a place where they can rest, pray and recharge their spiritual batteries before continuing their journey. The hotel offers simple but comfortable accommodation, perfect for those who want to spend more time in this holy place.
Sacré-Coeur in culture and films
Montmartre, the district where Sacré-Coeur is located, has always been a mecca for artists. It was here that such masters as Vincent van Gogh, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso created. The basilica, with its majestic silhouette, was and still is an inspiration for many artists, both painters, writers and filmmakers.
Sacré-Coeur appears in many films and books, often as a symbol of romantic Paris. In films such as "Amélie" or "Midnight in Paris", the basilica serves as a backdrop for magical and emotional scenes, emphasizing the unique character of the city of love. It is worth mentioning that the basilica also appears in the film "John Wick: Chapter 4", where its majestic silhouette is the setting for dramatic events.
The importance of Sacré-Coeur today
Today, Sacré-Coeur is not only a place of religious worship, but also a space for various cultural and social events. Concerts, exhibitions and festivals take place here, attracting both residents and tourists. It is a place where history meets modernity, and spirituality meets culture.
Sacré-Coeur is one of the most visited places in Paris. Tourists are attracted not only by the architecture and views, but also by the spiritual atmosphere that makes each visit to the basilica an unforgettable experience. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to find peace and recharge their spiritual batteries.
Summary
Sacré-Coeur is more than just a beautiful building - it is a symbol of hope, rebirth and unity for the French people. Its majestic architecture, rich interior and extraordinary history attract millions of people from all over the world. Whether you are a tourist, pilgrim or artist, Sacré-Coeur has something unique to offer. It is worth visiting this place to feel its unique atmosphere and understand why it is so important to Paris and France.
Architect of Sacré-Coeur

How many meters have Sacré-Coeur?
Height of Sacré-Coeur is 79 meters


Construction/building type
Building Sacré-Coeur is of type Basilica, Church
A basilica is a specific architectural type of sacred buildings, often ecclesiastical. Originally, the term 'basilica' referred to buildings used for judicial or commercial purposes in ancient Rome, but was later adopted by the Catholic Church and became a term to describe important churches with a specific plan layout.... czytaj więcej.
Architectural style
Architectural style of Sacré-Coeur is Byzantine
The Byzantine architectural style is one of the most important and enduring architectural styles in history, having its origins in the Byzantine Empire that existed in Eastern Europe and Asia Minor from the 5th century to the 15th century. ... czytaj więcej.
What material is the building made of?
Sacré-Coeur is made of the following materials: Stone
Cost
Build cost of Sacré-Coeur is 40 million francs
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Kościół Njaświętszego Serca Jezusowego
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
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