Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Paris, France is a photograph by Curt Rush which was uploaded on October 31st, 2016.
Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Paris, France
The Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre, or Sacre-Coeur, is a major landmark in Paris. The site has a complex history from pagan times through the... more
by Curt Rush
Title
Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Paris, France
Artist
Curt Rush
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Photograph
Description
The Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre, or Sacre-Coeur, is a major landmark in Paris. The site has a complex history from pagan times through the Middle Ages and French Revolution and is now a major cultural center in this popular neighborhood.
Montmartre, the hill on which the basilica stands, has been a sacred site since pagan times. Druids are thought to have worshipped there, and the ancient Romans built temples to Mars and Mercury.
Montmartre was originally named "Mons Martis," meaning "Mount of Mars." This was later Christianized to "Montmartre," or "Mount of the Martyr." "Sacr�-Coeur" is a reference to the sacred heart of Jesus.
The first Christian chapel was built on Montmartre around 475 A.D., in honor of the martyred St. Denis, who was the first bishop of Paris.
Besides St. Denis, Montmartre became associated with Christian martyrs in general, and was a popular destination for pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
In 1792, during the French Revolution, the abbey which had grown up around the chapel was destroyed, and the inhabitants dispersed. The Abbess was eventually executed.
During the Paris Commune of 1871, hundreds of commune members hid in the chalk mines near the Sacr�-Coeur. They were killed when the government dynamited the exits, adding to the hill's body count.
In the 1800s a contest was held to choose a designer for the modern basilica. The winner, Paul Abadie, used a unique style drawing on Roman and Byzantine influences.
The Sacr�-Coeur is constructed of stone from Ch�teau-Landon, which is known for it's high content of calcite. In damp weather calcite leaches out of the stone, keeping the appearance of the monument chalky white.
The top of the dome is open to the public, and is the second-highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. Many tourists visit just for the panoramic views.
On warm evenings, Parisians and visitors gather on the steps of the Sacr�-Coeur to enjoy the view of the city. Many bring instruments, so there is often live music.
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/10-fun-sacrecoeur-paris-106883.html
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October 31st, 2016
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