Basilique Saint-Denis

Step into the heart of history. Right here in front of you stands the Basilique Saint-Denis, a grand testament to faith and French royalty. It is the final resting place of kings and queens, a symbol of French power, and a cornerstone of Gothic architecture. The basilica’s story begins with Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, who was martyred on Montmartre around 250 AD and is said to have walked six miles carrying his head to the site of the future church. The church grew in importance under the Franks, as their Merovingian king Dagobert established the royal crypt. The Carolingians, under Pepin the Short, constructed a church that was completed under his son, Charlemagne, who was present for its consecration. The Abbot Suger, the regent of France and royal historian, is the star of Saint-Denis. He began his innovative building project in 1135, initiating the style we now call Gothic, which was referred to then as the French style. Suger sought two innovations: height and light. He achieved the height through flying buttresses, which enabled thinner walls and larger windows. He constructed a much higher nave using tall rib vaults and placed rose windows in the facade. The basilica’s history is not without its moments of tragedy. It suffered devastating attacks during the French Revolution. The abbey was shuttered and the bones of the royals were disinterred and thrown into a common grave. The 19th century saw the church reopened by Napoleon, ironically as his intended place of burial. Major reconstruction was commenced both for Saint-Denis and Notre Dame de Paris by the same famous architect, Eug`ene Viollet-le-Duc. Today, the Basilique Saint-Denis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a captivating testament to centuries of French history and artistic achievement. Its vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the past, and its royal tombs continue to draw visitors from across the globe.