Sacré Coeur

The Sacré Coeur is located in one of the best view point of the city of Paris. It sits on top of the hill of Montmatre. Just above the well known quarter that bears the same name, called "La Butte" from the "Parisiens". The church was built over the site of a massacre of communards, who fell under the attack of the French Army. The construction of this Basilica started in 1875, following the projects of the architect Paul Abadie and, since Abadie died shortly after, other architects made different changes to his original project. The Sacré Coeur is dedicated to Jesus Christ's Sacred Heart and, so they say, His Heart is kept inside the Basilica's crypt (therefore the name "Sacred Heart"). Conceived to welcome a multitude of believers it boasts huge and welcoming spaces, many chapels, an imposing stairway and an underground church. Above the entrance the pilgrims will be greeted by a statue of Christ that held a hand on His heart and, inside after the main altar, they can admire one of the biggest mosaics of the world. The white Basilica shines as brand new after every thunderstorm, this is due to the particular chalky stones that have been used for its construction; actually the stone of Chateau-Landon does not retain dust or smog. The Basilica is open from 6.00 am to 22.00 pm, free entrance, while the crypt and the dome are open from 9.00 am to 18.45 pm, 5€ entrance fee. In the alleys near the Sacré Coeur you will find many artists ready to draw your portrait.

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