It's official title is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Most simply refer to it as Sacre-Coeur.
I am not catholic, so I'm unfamiliar with the differences between the various religious buildings (a church, a cathedral, a basilica). And history has never been my favorite subject, so I'm not well-versed in the religious and political circumstances surrounding this 19th century project.
I do know it took nearly two decades to complete: from 1875 to 1914, and the architectural style is completely different from the Medieval Notre Dame cathedral, and the ornate Palais Garnier.
Scare Coeur is built on the highest point of the city, the summit of the butte de Montmartre. It is an effort to reach the top, but once you climb all the stairs (or take the funicular), the views are magnificent.
The white stone against the deep blue sky is absolutely breath-taking. The size, the detail, the beauty... all work together to command reverence. When you step inside, you know you are standing on hollow ground.
I am so enamored with this building that I made it the focal point of my Paris room. I can now sit on my couch, look out the "window" and pretend I live in Montmartre. Je suis tres contente ici...
I love your Paris room and the way you created a "window" to look out. Very clever!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Ellen | http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/2016/04/s-is-for-sailrite-nancy-drew.html
It is my oasis :)
DeleteI wish I were creative enough to design this idea, but in truth, my husband and son collaborated to bring this dream into a reality.
A cathedral is the diocesan bishop's home parish, and is the main church in a diocese. A basilica is a church that has certain special privileges; Wikipedia goes into more detail (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica#Ranking_of_churches). Mary and I were on vacation in Asheville, NC, and went to Mass at a church that had just been made a basilica. I didn't quite understand everything the pastor said, but I guess a basilica receives that designation from the Pope and is entitled to a coat of arms and certain other ceremonial rights that other churches don't have. He seemed to be impressed by it...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for explaining in better terminology than wikipedia (I read the article several times and simply lost interest). I did understand that a basilica is "higher up" than a cathedral, so it makes sense the priest in Asheville was impressed :)
DeleteYou have a Paris room! I love that you've given yourself a view of Sacre-Coeur. Paris has more than its share of memorable building and this amazing structure stands out in a city of magnificent architecture.
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S is for Save Our Planet
I do have a Paris room - and it is delightful to escape to my favorite city anytime I desire :)
DeleteI love the "window" in your Paris room! And I don't think I'd want to try to go up all those stairs...
ReplyDeleteJ here, of the #atozchallenge Arlee Bird's A to Z Ambassador Team. Tonight, YOU have been #COMMENTMOBBED with love from #azchat.
ReplyDeleteHow has the challenge been going for you so far? Are you meeting your goals of posting and hopping to other blogs? 3/4 of the way done!
My blog's giveaway is still going. I'm encouraging everyone to visit more stops.
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Creating a "window"-- brilliant! I would have never thought of that.
Thank you! It was a collaborative effort, but I'm the one who gets to enjoy it :)
DeleteIt looks simply gorgeous. I didn't imagine it was such a 'new' church. I mean, compared to many other, older church in the city.
ReplyDelete@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - Jazz Age Jazz
I know what you mean. I think the bright white gives it that "new" look, even though it is well over 100 years old :)
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