Basilique du Sacre-Coeur and the white crown above Montmartre

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur crowns the summit of Montmartre in Paris, a Romano-Byzantine basilica whose pale stone domes form a distinctive outline against the sky. Conceived in the nineteenth century and consecrated in 1919, it stands on one of the city’s highest points and draws visitors as much for its commanding hilltop setting as for the architecture itself.Sacré-Cœur, Paris

A Romano-Byzantine basilica above Paris

The project for Basilique du Sacre-Coeur took shape in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and the Paris Commune of 1871, when a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was proposed for the hill of Montmartre.Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a surprising landmark of Paris The National Assembly authorised the construction in 1873, giving the project formal status as a public utility and fixing it firmly in the late nineteenth century.law in the National Assembly in 1873

Groundbreaking on the basilica took place in 1875 and the main structure was completed in the early twentieth century, with the building consecrated in 1919 after the end of the First World War.completed in 1914 and dedicated in 1919 Architect Paul Abadie’s design adopted a Romano-Byzantine style, a deliberate contrast to the Gothic forms of earlier Paris churches and a rare choice in the city at the time.Romanesque-Byzantine style by Paul Abadie

Stone, domes and layout on Montmartre

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur stands near the top of Montmartre hill, in the 18th arrondissement, on ground that sits well above the surrounding neighbourhoods of northern Paris.on the top of the hill of Montmartre The building is set out on a Greek-cross plan, with arms of the nave and transepts extending from a central crossing crowned by a large dome.in the shape of a Greek cross Smaller domes cluster around the core, creating a layered profile that rises above the trees and houses on the slope.

The basilica is a substantial structure, around 85 m long and 35 m wide, with the principal dome reaching a height of about 83 m above the floor.length, width and height of the basilica Travertine stone from quarries outside Paris was used for the exterior, a material known for exuding calcite when wet, which helps the façades retain a pale, luminous appearance in the city’s changing light.travertine from Château-Landon

Interior space and views over the city

Inside Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, the nave rises beneath rounded vaults, with light filtering down into an interior arranged for Roman Catholic worship.Roman Catholic church, minor basilica Chapels flank the main space and a large apse mosaic portrays Christ with a radiant heart, reflecting the basilica’s dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart

Outside, terraces and steps spread across the slope immediately below the west front, forming a broad platform from which the urban landscape of Paris is visible. From the basilica’s elevation on Montmartre, the rooftops, boulevards and landmarks of central Paris stretch away into the distance, making the approach to the church as much a visit to a viewpoint as to a place of worship.summit of Montmartre hill, high viewpoint

Visiting Basilique du Sacre-Coeur: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Basilique du Sacre-Coeur stands on Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris and is reached by city streets that climb the slope or by stairways rising from lower levels.
• The approach to the basilica involves a noticeable gradient, and many visitors ascend a long outdoor staircase on the western side of Montmartre to reach the terraces below the church.
• For visitors arriving from elsewhere in France or neighbouring countries, long-distance trains terminate at major Paris stations such as Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, from which local transport connects to Montmartre.
• The official language is French and the currency is the euro.

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Frequently asked questions about Basilique du Sacre-Coeur

Where is Basilique du Sacre-Coeur located in Paris?

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur stands on the summit of Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement, overlooking northern Paris from one of the city’s highest points.

What should visitors expect when visiting Basilique du Sacre-Coeur?

Visitors encounter a Romano-Byzantine basilica with pale travertine façades, domes, an interior dedicated to the Sacred Heart and broad terraces with views over Paris.

What makes Basilique du Sacre-Coeur distinctive among Paris churches?

Its hilltop position on Montmartre, Romano-Byzantine style by Paul Abadie and luminous stone exterior together distinguish Basilique du Sacre-Coeur from the Gothic churches of central Paris.