By Angela Cerda

Sacre Coeur

History of Sacre Coeur

The Basilique Sacre Coeur is a roman catholic church that was built towards the end of the

nineteenth century.Located on the highest point of Montmartre

Hill, Paris, the basilica was planned as a guilt offering and a vote of confidence to

cure Frances misfortunes.

The church was dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus.

Sacre Coeur exteriorThe Sacre Coeur was

designed by Paul Abadie and inspired by St-Front in Perigueux.

The foundation was laid in 1875; it’s built of a frost resistant travertine that bleaches with age to a gleaming white (chateau- landon stone). The main portal has grand bronze doors with foliage design.

Sacre Coeur statuesThe triple- arched

portico is surmounted by two bronze equestrian statues of France’s national saints, Joan of Arc and King St. Louis IX. Both statues were designed by Nippolyte Lefebure.

Sacre Coeur interiorInside is dim and rather gloomy

except for the golden mosaics that glow brightly. The floor plan is an equal armed gneek cross with a large dome over the crossing.

Overall, the church was fully completed in 1914 and the final cost was four million dollars.

Visitor Information

oThe Basilica is opened daily from 6am to 11pmoThe dome and crypt is opened daily from 9am to 6pmoFree admission

A climb to the top of the dome provides an excellent view of

Paris.

For more infoVisit www.sacre-coeur-montmarte.com

or www.sacred-destination.com