Paris France » Paris Church

Saint Denis Paris

admin — Sat, 23 Oct 2004 12:17:00 +0000

The character of the early Gothic basilica Saint Denis was the role model and guidepost for all the other French buildings which were erected in this certain architectural style.

The most exciting attractions of Saint Denis are the tombs of the kings in the crypt under the church. For many centuries it was a holy tradition of the French kings to receive a tomb in Saint Denis. More than 70 of them can be seen under the holy building.

The first construction works for Saint Denis started in the 5th century.

Metro 13: Basilique de Saint Denis

Sacre Coeur Paris

admin — Sat, 23 Oct 2004 09:49:19 +0000

Sacre Coeur is a white basilica on the hill of Montmartre. Malicious tongues describe the two domes of the building as the sweet creation of a sugar baker.

The basilica was built as national memorial after the disgraceful defeat against the Germans in the war of 1870/71.

Sacre Coeus is very popular among tourists. The square infront of the basilica offers a nice view over Paris. A visit can be done by climbing a lot of stairs, or for those who enjoy it comfortable, by using a rack railway.

Metro 2: Anvers

Saint Sulpice Paris

admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 11:01:02 +0000

Saint Sulpice is a church from the 17th century in Rue Palatine. The holy building is surrounded by a lively square with a Roman fountain.

Saint Sulpice impresses by two noble pillar files, and two conspicuous paintings done by Eugene Delacroix in the first chapel on the right.

Metro 4: Saint Sulpice

Saint Germain des Pres Paris

admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 10:48:21 +0000

The church of “Saint Germain Des Pres” was part of a former benedictine abbey from the 8th century. Only a clock tower reminds of that mighty building.

In Saint Germain Des Pres the bible was translated into the French language for the very first time. The church is also the grave of the French philosopher Rene Descartes.

Metro 4: Saint Germain des Pres

Sainte Chapelle Paris

admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 05:23:01 +0000

Sainte Chapelle is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The church from the 13th century is located a bit hidden at the inner courtyard inside of the palace of justice.

Sainte Chapelle possesses precious relics from the holy land, but the most interesting sight of the church is the impressive effect of the heavenward aspiring glass windows. Those windows create a bright and blue light inside the whole church. An impression of breathtaking dimension.

Metro 4: Saint Michel, Cite

Pantheon Paris

admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 04:50:48 +0000

Pantheon is a mighty dome building on the hill of Sainte Genoveve, in the district of “Ile de la Cite”. In 1756 Louis XV gave the order to erect such kind of building to fulfil a solemn promise towards the patron saint of Paris.

The physicist Leon Foucault has done his world famous pendulum experiment in Pantheon, to prove the axes rotation of the earth.

Metro 10: Cardinal Lemoine

Notre Dame Paris

admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 05:37:40 +0000

Notre Dame is a masterpiece of Gothic art. The church was built between 1163 and 1345. Already 2.000 years before, the same place was the location of a Roman temple.

The Gothic church offers space for 9.000 people, and attracts by impressive architectural gimmickry.

Notre Dame was the place for many important events in history. One of those important events was the crowning of Napoleon.

The novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by author Victor Hugo was an appeal for help to save the church from its decline. The author succeeded. Notre Dame was restored, and appears in full brilliance today.

The tower of the church offers a wonderful view over Paris. Notre Dame is located in the district “Ile de la Cite”.

Metro 4: Saint Michel.

La Madeleine Paris

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2004 18:43:51 +0000

The building called “La Madeleine”, which is located in the Sentier district, was not always a church. It looks like a Greek temple and exists since 1764.

Napoleon used La Madeleine as kind of “hall of fame” for his army. Later it was a parliament, stock exchange market, and the national library.

In 1842 it was time for another change. This time some honourable men decided to use “La Madeleine” as a church. It stayed in such a function until today. La Madeleine is famous for its funeral masses for celebrities.

Metro 8, 12 and 14: Madeleine