The Sacré-Cœur basilica, a renowned Parisian landmark, attracts over 11.5 million visitors each year, eager to explore its history and spirituality. It stands as the second most visited religious monument in the capital, trailing only the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Perched atop the Montmartre hill at 130 meters above sea level, it offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city. But are you familiar with all the secrets hidden within the Sacré-Cœur’s walls?
Let’s uncover five fascinating facts about this remarkable basilica, starting with its controversial beginnings.
Controversial Beginnings
The Sacré-Cœur was met with controversy almost from the moment its construction was conceived in 1875, even before the first stone was laid. The location itself was highly symbolic, as it was on the slopes of Montmartre that thousands of Parisians met their tragic demise during the bloody “Semaine Sanglante” of 1871. When the construction of the Sacré-Cœur was debated by lawmakers in 1873, accusations flew that the religious building was intended to atone for the sins of the Communards, the Parisian rebels of that era. The second wave of controversy was far more recent. In 2020, the Minister of Culture announced plans to classify the basilica as a historical monument, a decision that ruffled the feathers of those well-versed in 19th-century history.
A Building With A Past
The design of the Sacré-Cœur was entrusted to the architect Paul Abadie, who won a competition in 1873. Sadly, Abadie passed away in 1884, and the project was taken over by Honoré Daumet. Driven by his ambition, Daumet introduced numerous alterations that not only proved costly but also significantly delayed the construction timeline. His tenure was marked by conflicts with the construction oversight committee, leading to his departure in 1886. Daumet was succeeded by Charles Laisné, who tragically died in 1891, leaving the project in the capable hands of Henri-Pierre Rauline and Charles Garnier. Lucien Magne stepped in to guide the project from 1904 to 1916. Finally, in 1919, the Sacré-Cœur was consecrated under the leadership of the last architect, Louis-Jean Hulot. The basilica’s journey from inception to completion was a testament to the dedication and perseverance of a succession of architects, each leaving their mark on this iconic structure.
The Secret of the White Basilica
Have you ever wondered why the Sacré-Cœur gleams so dazzlingly white? The answer lies in the building material itself – the Château Landon stone. This unique limestone has a remarkable characteristic: it releases calcium oxide when exposed to rain, naturally bleaching the basilica. In essence, the Sacré-Cœur’s pristine white facade is a result of its self-cleaning stone. Only a select few monuments in Paris share this same exquisite material, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Sorbonne, and the Carmel of Montmartre.
A Mosaic of History
Step inside the Sacré-Cœur, and you’ll be greeted by the largest mosaic in all of France! This breathtaking work of art, spanning a staggering 475 square meters, adorns the ceilings of the apse. Created between 1921 and 1923 by the renowned Guilbert-Martin workshop in Saint-Denis, the mosaic depicts the resurrected Christ, intricately woven with historical figures. Keep a sharp eye out for the Virgin Mary, Saint Michael, and Saint Joan of Arc, each meticulously rendered in this magnificent masterpiece.
The Savoyarde, A Bell of Extraordinary Size
The Sacré-Cœur boasts the largest bell in all of France, a colossal marvel known as the Savoyarde. This impressive bell, standing 3 meters tall with a 19-meter circumference, was a gift from the four dioceses of Savoie and crafted by the skilled artisans of the Paccard workshops in Annecy-le-Vieux. It took an extraordinary effort to hoist this 10-ton behemoth to the top of the bell tower in 1895, requiring the strength of 28 horses! The Savoyarde’s resonant voice has echoed across Paris for over a century, becoming an integral part of the city’s soundscape.
Explore the Heart of Paris
Are you ready to embark on a journey to the Sacré-Cœur and its captivating surroundings? This iconic basilica holds countless secrets and stories, waiting to be discovered.
