Église Saint-Augustin

Have you ever heard of a church built with an iron skeleton? Right here, in the heart of Paris, lies the Église Saint-Augustin, a testament to the grand ambitions of 19th-century architecture. Imagine a time when the city was undergoing a massive transformation, with wide boulevards replacing narrow streets, envisioned by Baron Haussmann. The Église Saint-Augustin stands tall where once there was a dilapidated building, a prominent landmark where the new avenues intersected. This grand church, with its almost cathedral-like dimensions, was built by the architect Victor Baltard in the late 19th century, the Second Empire period. The church was designed in a unique eclectic style, drawing inspiration from Roman, Byzantine, and Gothic influences. This impressive edifice, measuring a whopping 94 meters long, incorporates metal structures, making it one of its kind. These metal supports, though hidden by a stone facade, set it apart from other, older churches in Paris. The Église Saint-Augustin, however, was not just built for aesthetics. The original plans included the burial of imperial princes in its crypt, a plan that never came to fruition. Napoleon III, who imagined this grand place as a burial site for his family, died in exile in England. Today, the Église Saint-Augustin remains a prominent landmark in Paris, a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and faith.