Sacré-Coeur
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One of the most photographed images of the city, the spectacular white outline of Sacré-Coeur (Sacred Heart) watches over Paris from its highest point. The basilica was built as a memorial to the 58,000 French soldiers killed during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) and took 46 years to build, finally completed in 1923 at a cost of 40 million francs (6 million euros). Priests still pray for the souls of the dead here 24 hours a day. Although the interior is less impressive than many other churches in the city, people flock here for the panoramic views – at sunset, in particular, there are few sights in Paris more memorable.
For more Paris churches See Places of Worship
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1. Great Mosaic of Christ
A glittering Byzantine mosaic of Christ, created by Luc Olivier Merson between 1912–22, decorates the vault over the chancel. It represents France’s devotion to the Sacred Heart.
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2. Crypt Vaults
The most interesting feature of the interior is the arched vaults of the crypt. A chapel contains the heart of Alexandre Legentil, one of the advocates of Sacré-Coeur.
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3. Bronze Doors
The doors of the portico entrance are beautifully decorated with bronze relief sculptures depicting the Last Supper and other scenes from the life of Christ.
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4. The Dome
The distinctive egg-shaped dome of the basilica is the second-highest viewpoint in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. Reached via a spiral staircase, vistas can stretch as far as 48 km (30 miles) on a clear day.
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5. Statue of Christ
The basilica’s most important statue shows Christ giving a blessing. It is symbolically placed in a niche over the main entrance, above the two equestrian statues.
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6. Bell Tower
6. Bell TowerThe beautiful campanile , designed by Lucien Magne and added in 1904, is 80 m (262 ft) high. One of the heaviest bells in the world, the 19-ton La Savoyarde hangs in the belfry. Cast in Annecy in 1895, it was donated by the dioceses of Savoy.
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7. Equestrian Statues
Two striking bronze statues of French saints stand on the portico above the main entrance, cast by H Lefèbvre. One is of Joan of Arc, the other of Saint Louis.
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8. Stained-Glass Gallery
One level of the great dome is encircled by stained-glass windows. From here there is a grand view over the whole interior.
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9. Façade
Architect Paul Abadie (1812–1884) employed a mix of domes, turrets and Classical features in his design. The Château-Landon stone secretes calcite when wet and bleaches the façade white.
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10. The Funicular
To avoid the steep climb up to Sacré-Coeur, take the funiculaire cable railway and enjoy the views at leisure. It runs from the end of rue Foyatier, near Square Willette.
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Walking through the streets near metro station Lamarck Caulaincourt you cand find the at the hill the artist's streets, in the old fashion french houses and streets, once there you can watch an spectacular white color from the Sacré-Coeur, you can have a great view if you walk up stairs, incredible church's architecture and once at the top a great view of Paris! just fantastic, if you have luck people sat down in the stairs listening street musicians, great atmosphere!
about 7 months ago
This is partly where they shot Amelie. It was crowded when I went but that only added to the atmosphere. And the views are fantastic. Bring a packed lunch and spend a few hours up there,
about a year ago
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