The Parvis du Sacré-Coeur is often a stop-off point, either to catch your breath if you've been walking up the hill, or simply to admire the view over Paris, or simply before visiting the Basilique of Sacré-Coeur.
The Parvis of Basilique Sacré-Coeur: a stop in front of the Basilica's main entrance
The Basilica faces almost due south. In fact, both the parvis and the basilica face in the direction of Notre-Dame de Paris. This is no coincidence, since the Basilica is a sanctuary dedicated to Jesus, while Notre-Dame is dedicated to Mary, his mother. The two thus face each other from a distance.
Panoramic view of Paris from the Parvis of Basilique Sacré-Coeur
Admittedly, the panoramic view of Paris from the Parvis is not the best in the capital. The view from the Arc de Triomphe, for example, is more stunning, but from the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur you can also admire the southern facade of the basilica and its equestrian statues ... and do it quietly from the steps, if the animation allows.
The Parvis du Sacré-Coeur and street performances
Indeed, the influx of tourists attracts numerous street performances by established and amateur artists, such as jugglers, puppeteers and hawkers. These are mainly concentrated on the Parvis, but you'll also find them in the streets of Haut-Montmartre.
The Parvis and exterior of the Basilica
The Basilica's architect is Paul ABADIE, but six successive architects completed the building over a period of 50 years. The 1st stone was laid in 1875, but serious foundation problems meant that the crypt wasn't begun until 1878, and the basilica only in 1881. By 1914, everything was ready for consecration - including the bell tower housing "la Savoyarde", a 19-ton bell - but the outbreak of the First World War (1914 - 1918) meant that consecration didn't take place until October 16, 1919.
The building was officially completed in 1923, when the interior decoration was finished, including the mosaics in the apse. The 1930s saw the start of construction of the annexes, sacristy, offices and dormitory to accommodate pilgrims.
The building was not finally completed until after the Second World War, when bombing raids destroyed the stained glass windows. "All in all, the program cost six times more than expected and took over half a century to complete".
The Basilica's Romano-Byzantine style and special white stones
In contrast to the churches of the Middle Ages (e.g. the Gothic style of Notre-Dame de Paris - 1163-1240), the style is inspired by models such as Saint Sophia in Constantinople or San Marco Basilica in Venice or Ravenna.
The exterior stones, known as "Château-Landon", come from the Souppes quarry in Seine et Marne, and have the particular property of being very hard, fine-grained and whitening in contact with rainwater.
Dimensions of the Basilica, Dome and Cupola
- Basilica: length 85 metres - width 35 metres
- Dome: height 83 metres
- Dome: height 55 metres, diameter 16 metres.
The entire city of Paris can be seen from the Basilica's forecourt. A visit to the Dome, which rises to a height of more than 200 metres, enables you to appreciate a landscape that extends 50 km in all directions. This makes it the highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower (itself built in 1889!).
Sacré-Coeur Church and Basilica
At the time of its consecration, the Church was given the title of Basilica, meaning that it is a place of pilgrimage.
The Heart of Christ is adored in the mystery of the Eucharist (Mass). Adoration prayer is both a preparation for and an extension of the Eucharistic mystery.
It is a prayer of petition and intercession for the Church and the world. Since 1885, the faithful - men, women and children from all walks of life - have been taking turns in the basilica to recite an uninterrupted prayer, day and night. This prayer is the mission the Basilica received at its consecration: a mission of constant intercession for the Church and the world.
The interior of Basilique Sacré-Coeur
The interior architecture, also in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, gives this "House of God" an atmosphere of harmony and peace. The light and architectural details focus attention on the choir, the site of liturgical celebrations and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The large mosaic was produced between 1900 and 1922.
The stained-glass windows, installed between 1903 and 1920, were destroyed by bombing in 1944 and rebuilt in 1946.
The great organ is by Cavaillé-Coll.
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