Standing here before the Église de l’Assomption, one might not immediately grasp the rich history interwoven within its walls. This church has seen many lives. It began as a humble convent chapel to becoming a Polish Catholic hub in Paris.
Let’s step back to the 17th century. Cardinal de la Rochefoucauld decided to build a new convent for the sisters of the Order of Haudriettes. The new convent was placed on Rue Saint-Honoré next to the city gate of Saint Honoré. The congregation was then called the Dames of the Assumption.
To build the new convent, more land was obtained. The architect Charles Errard was commissioned to design a new church. Errard’s designs reflected his studies in Rome. They showed the influence of Ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance.
When the plans were complete, Errard returned to Rome. He delegated the supervision of the construction. M. Cheret, the director of public works, took over. Problems and criticism arose. Cheret blamed Errard. Errard blamed Cheret for modifying his plans. The Église de l’Assomption was finally dedicated on August 14, 1670. Michel de Poncet de La Rivière blessed it.
The new convent became a refuge for well-born women from the Royal Court. However, the French Revolution brought change. In 1790, the convent was closed. It was declared public property. In 1793, the Ministry of Finance took it over. The other buildings of the convent were gradually demolished. However, the Église de l’Assomption was used to store opera and theater sets.
Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the church was restored to the Catholic Church in 1802. Napoleon declared that it should be the leading church of the 1st arrondissement. This was until the Église de la Madeleine was completed in 1842.
The funeral of General Lafayette was held in the Église de l’Assomption in 1834. In 1838, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord’s remains were kept here. This was until his tomb was completed.
A significant turning point came in 1844. Denys Affre, Archbishop of Paris, presented the Église de l’Assomption to the Polish Catholic Church of Paris. This was in response to the growing number of Polish immigrants in Paris. The composer Frédéric Chopin was a regular visitor.
The facade has six classical Corinthian columns. It is similar to the north porch of the Sorbonne. The rotonda is 24 meters in diameter. It features simple pilasters. A cupola tops it off. The facade is decorated with a bust of Pope John-Paul II.
Inside the Église de l’Assomption, the nave is round. The dome supports the structure. Eight groups of pilasters with Corinthian columns hold it up. High windows are separated by panels of molded stucco. Portraits of major figures from the Polish Roman Catholic Church are behind the altar.
Look for the Baptismal font. It is topped by a porcelain statue of a Polish King in costume. Admire “Adoration of the Magi” by Carle Van Loo and the altar painting. See “The Annunciation” by Joseph-Marie Vien. Don’t miss the painting of “The Assumption of Christ” by Charles de La Fosse inside the dome.
The Église de l’Assomption organ dates from the end of the 19th century. Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, a prominent organ-builder, made it.
Today, Église de l’Assomption stands as a testament to its layered past. From French convent to Polish Catholic heart. It remains a vibrant part of Parisian history.