Upon entering the 13th arrondissement you’ll find it. The Église Sainte-Anne de la Butte-aux-Cailles. Its story is one of perseverance and community.
This isn’t just any church. It stands proudly in the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood. Construction began in 1894 a time of great change in Paris. The separation of Church and State was underway. The city was expanding rapidly. A small chapel stood here before. It was too small for the growing population. So a new church was needed.
The land itself was a gift. Jules Nolleval a Parisian councilman donated the plot. Building started slowly. Money was scarce. The original chapel was demolished in 1897. Work continued though it was far from finished when the church was consecrated.
A significant boost arrived in 1898. The Lombart family chocolatiers made a generous donation. This allowed for the construction of the stunning facade. It’s so beautiful it earned the nickname “chocolate facade”. The towers and bells were completed in time for the 1900 World’s Fair. They’re named Jules and Honorine after the Lombart couple.
The separation of Church and State in 1905 created financial difficulties. The church was now owned by the city of Paris. Further construction was uncertain. Finally in 1912 the Église Sainte-Anne was consecrated complete. In 1938 beautiful stained glass windows were added. These colorful windows are the work of the Mauméjean workshops. They bring vibrant light inside.
The Église Sainte-Anne’s architecture is remarkable. It’s a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The architect Prosper Bobin built it on pilings. These pilings reach 16 to 22 meters deep. They support the structure on the old Bièvre riverbed. The two towers rise 55 meters high.
Look closely. Notice the mosaics and the Art Deco stained glass. These details add to the Église Sainte-Anne’s beauty. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to the community’s faith and its enduring spirit. The Église Sainte-Anne stands as a symbol of hope. It’s a place of worship a work of art and a true Parisian treasure. Its story continues.