The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, officially known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located at the summit of Montmartre hill, the highest point in Paris. Designed by architect Paul Abadie in a Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque style, its construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914, with consecration taking place in 1919 after World War I. The basilica was built as a symbol of national penance following France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and the turmoil of the Paris Commune, intended to inspire spiritual renewal. Its prominent white travertine stone façade and large central dome, rising 83 meters high, make it a distinctive feature of Paris’s skyline. Inside, the apse features France’s largest mosaic, depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while the basilica houses La Savoyarde, the largest bell in France. Sacré-Cœur remains a major pilgrimage site and the second most visited monument in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views of the city from its dome. The basilica also stands on a site historically linked to Saint Denis, the patron saint of Paris, who was martyred there in the 3rd century
Paris FranceThe Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located at 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, at the summit of Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Perched at the highest point in the city, it offers panoramic views over Paris from its dome, standing about 200 meters above the Seine. The basilica is accessible via several metro lines-Line 2 (Anvers, Pigalle), Line 4 (Château Rouge, Barbès-Rochechouart), and Line 12 (Lamarck-Caulaincourt, Pigalle)-followed by a short uphill walk or a ride on the Montmartre funicular, which helps visitors avoid climbing the 222 stairs. The area around Sacré-Cœur is known for its vibrant artistic heritage, with Montmartre historically being a hub for artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Nearby attractions include the Place du Tertre, a lively square filled with painters and cafés, and the Montmartre Museum, which explores the neighborhood’s bohemian past. The basilica’s location in a lively district blends spiritual significance with a rich cultural atmosphere, making it a key landmark in Paris. Elevator access is available at the back of the basilica for those with mobility issues