Basilique du Sacré Cœur, Breathtaking panoramic views of Paris

35, Knight of the Bar street, 75018 Paris

Landmark buildings on Montmartre Hill

4.5

Introduction

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located on the Montmartre hill in Paris, is one of the most iconic Catholic churches in France. It was completed in 1914 but did not officially open until 1919 due to the outbreak of World War I. The architectural style of the Sacré-Cœur is a blend of Roman and Byzantine influences, with many nationalistic elements. The church features three archways and statues of Saint Joan of Arc and King Louis IX on horseback. The 19-ton Savoyarde bell, cast in 1885, is one of the largest bells in the world. The construction of the Sacré-Cœur was funded entirely by private donations, amounting to approximately 7 million francs, which were exhausted before ground construction even began. A temporary altar was established on March 3, 1876, and it quickly became the main source of funds through pilgrim donations. The Sacré-Cœur was built using limestone extracted by Châtillon quarries, which continuously releases calcite and ensures that the basilica maintains its white appearance despite weathering and pollution. The church's dome houses one of the largest mosaics in the world, known as the Christ in Majesty. Surrounding the Sacré-Cœur is a garden where people can reflect and meditate, featuring ornamental fountains. The platform in front of the church provides a partial view of the city center of Paris, and visitors can also climb 300 steps to the top of the bell tower for an unobstructed panoramic view of the city.

Address

35, Knight of the Bar street, 75018 Paris

Opening hours

Church hall is open from 6:00 to 22:30 daily
Dome is open from 8:30 to 20:00 from May to September, and from 9:00 to 17:00 from October to April.

Transportation

Metro line 2 to Anvers station, line 12 to Abbesses station or Pigalle station, and the Funiculaire cable car to the top of Sacré-Cœur are all part of the public transportation system, and can be accessed with a regular subway ticket or transport card. Bus routes 30, 31, 80, and 85 also serve the area.

Phone +33-01-53418900

Website http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com