Paris

Visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica in the heart of Montmartre

In the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre is the famous Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur in French), undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and magical places to visit in Paris.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica is located on the highest part of a hill and is visible from much of the city of Paris.

From above you also have very nice views of the city and it is undoubtedly one of the must- sees in Paris, which should be combined with a visit to Montmartre.

The construction of Sacre Coeur

Paris - Sacre CoeurThe first stone of the basilica, built in marble, was laid in 1875 and after many years of work it was finally inaugurated in 1914, although it was consecrated in 1919.

The decision to build it was due to the intention of paying tribute to the French soldiers who had lost their lives in the Franco-Prussian War.

Money from donations from the faithful was used for its construction.

It has spectacular dimensions, more than 80 meters high, with a Greek cross floor plan and 4 domes. It should be noted that its length is exactly equal to its height.

What to see in the Sacre Coeur Basilica

Paris - Sacre Coeur - InteriorThe Sacre Coeur Basilica is one of the most visited places in Paris and it is always quite crowded.

The entrance to its interior is free but it has the disadvantage that you cannot take photos or videos inside, unlike what is usual in Parisian churches.

In addition, the guards try to enforce the rule with great vehemence.

From its interior we can highlight the mosaic of the apse, which is one of the largest mosaics that can be seen in the world.

And above all, its dome, which it is possible to climb to have beautiful views of Paris, very different from those obtained from the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or the Towers of Notre Dame. They are not the best but they are curious.

It is also possible to visit its crypt, one of the curiosities of the basilica and which also has the same floor plan. For the crypt it is necessary to pay entrance.

Arrive on the Montmartre funicular

Paris - Sacre Coeur - View from Eiffel TowerThere are many ways to get to the basilica but one of the most curious is the funicular, which dates back to 1900.

It will only cost you 1 ticket+ and will save you from going up all the steps or its steep streets, something we recommend anyway.

If you still want to use the funicular, you better use it to go up, because to go down the 200 stairs will not cost you that much either.

You can use the funicular between 6 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. and the ticket is included in all transport passes. The nearest metro station is Anvers.

You have the best image of the basilica from the bottom of the funicular. There you will take some spectacular photos. And if you want to do it from further away, from the Eiffel Tower they are also very good.

What to see near the Sacre Coeur Basilica

Paris - Moulin RougeThe Sacre Coeur Basilica is located in the Montmartre neighborhood so you have many places of interest around it that you can visit.

The most famous place, without a doubt, is the Moulin Rouge. Who has not seen the famous film?

It is the most famous cabaret in the city and in the world. It was built in 1889 and in addition to taking the typical photo with it you can go to a show.

You should not miss the Place du Tertre, the famous painters’ square. It is very famous for the number of street artists and painters who are in it working and exhibiting their works. There is usually a lot of atmosphere.

Just behind Sacre Coeur is the Church of Saint Pierre de Montmartre, notable for its interior Roman columns and very famous as the place where the founders of the Society of Jesus pronounced their vows.

And for those who like to tour cemeteries, there is also the Montmartre Cemetery. Among its spectacular tombs are those of some very famous people such as Edgar Degas or André-Marié Ampere

You can find more information on the official website of the Sacre Coeur Basilica.

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