Sacré-Cœur, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is among the most recognizable cultural attractions in Paris. Located on Montmartre Hill, indisputably one of the city’s most beautiful areas, Espace Dali has the advantage of attracting millions of tourists annually. Sacre-Cœur Basilica, with white domes and an intriguing background, is undoubtedly one of the places you should not miss while in Paris.
Where Is It and How to Get There
Montmartre Hill is the highest point of Paris, and Sacré-Cœur is found at this location in the 18th arrondissement. To get to the Basilica, one needs to take the Metro to either Anvers of Line 2 or Abbesses of Line 12 and then walk up a hill. However, a funicular ride is also available for those who dine at the restaurant at the top of the vertical shaft. There are also there are several bus routes that passes through the area.
History of Sacré-Cœur
Construction work on Sacré-Cœur was started in 1875 and was completed in 1914 Other parts were initially not complete and was later consecrated only after World War I, in 1919. It was established to triumph and passion in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War. The architectural style is Romanesque-Byzantine, with a viewpoint distinct from the more common Gothic churches characteristic of Paris.
Why is Sacré-Cœur Different?
Sacré-Cœur is best known for its white exterior, which is crafted from travertine stone and becomes whiter with rainwater every time. Its principal Dome stands over 80 meters and offers a view of Paris similar to from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Inside, and even before entering, the sight tourists is met with marvellous mosaics and striking patterns. The Apse mosaic depicting Christ in Majesty is the second largest in the world, with a surface area of 475 square meters. The styles chosen for the interior organically reflect the importance of Basilica for pilgrims from all over the world.
7 things to do at Sacred Heart
1. Explore the Basilica
Ever wondered what is inside the Basilica? Proceed inside to glimpse the mosaics, chapels, stained glass windows, and more. Visits to the Basilica are free, though visitors are encouraged to make donations.
2. Climb the Dome
To find the best view in Paris, which depends on people trying a 300-step climb to the top of the central dome. Once at the top, one will be able to look at a 360-degree view the entire city.
3. Attend a Mass
Sacré-Cœur is an operating religious site of Roman Catholic pilgrimage Cathedral in the Montmartre district in Paris, France. Tourists can take the daily mass or join the Eucharistic adoration that started way back 1885.
4. Stroll Through Montmartre
In the vicinity of the Basilica, one must walk through Montmartre– an artistic district with cobblestone streets and bohemian spirit, Place du Tertre, which has been home to artists who are currently painting and selling their masterpieces.
5. Visit the Crypt and Tower
For a certain amount; the Basilica also has a separate entrance to the crypt and the tower to be visited. Although the crypt is filled with various artefacts and religious paraphernalia, the tower is taller than the Dome.
What is the Right Season to Tourists to Visit Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:-
Spring and Summer:
The climate is also temperate, and flowers and other crops well adorn the gardens around the buildings. This is a high season for tourists, so they should be prepared for crowded places.
Fall and Winter:
It must be good to visit this place during the autumn and winter because there are few people to be seen fighting for a place at the drop-off point and a chance to look at this Montmartre.
Visiting Hours:
The Basilica is open from 6 AM to 22,30 PM every day, and the Dome is open during the summer from 08,30 AM to 20,00 PM, but in the winter from 09,00 AM to 17,00 PM.
Some Useful Recommendations for Fine Tour of Sacré-Cœur
Entry Fees: There are no charges for entering the Basilica, although visits to the Dome and the crypt cost a small amount of money.
Dress Code: Because Sacré-Cœur is a functioning church, visitors must dress modestly— no shorts, sleeveless tops or hats.
Crowds: To mitigate this problem, one should avoid going during busier hours by choosing to go in the morning or evening instead.
Accessibility: There are different reasons to avoid Montmartre and the Basilica, particularly for a wheelchair user: The area is situated on top of the hill, which ends steeply, and many stairs are inside the building. But some access is offered by funicular and a ramped entrance.
FAQs
1. Is it free to enter into Sacré-Cœur?
Yes, except for the fee for ascending to the Dome and the crypt, anyone can visit the Basilica.
2. The plans show you have three stories, and the Dome is four. Can you tell me how many steps to the Dome are?
It takes 300 steps to climb to the top of the Dome, and once at the top, the view is spectacular!
3. Is it allowed to have photographs inside the Sacré-Cœur?
Recording using cameras and video is prohibited inside Basilica. However, you can take photos of the beautiful exterior and the view from the top of the Dome.
4. How can one get to Sacré-Cœur?
It is comparatively simpler to reach the venue through the Metro. By arriving Anvers or Abbesses stations, one might climb the several flights of stairs to reach the top, walk down the hill or take the funicular instead.
5. What are the correct visiting hours?
The Basilica is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. It also has different hours during different seasons.
Other Sites Around Sacré-Cœur
1. Place du Tertre
A short few minutes’ walk from Sacré-Cœur is Place du Tertre, which is the Montmartre’s artistic centre. Here, there are pictures that artists have painted and display other pictures while offering to paint the visitors. The liveliness of a place makes it ideal for any artistic or a Paris’ artistic revolution lover.
2. Montmartre Museum
This is a tiny but delightful museum, and it provides a nice insight into the part of Montmartre that was home to artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh. The gardens surrounding the museum make it impressively lovely, giving the viewpoint of that area’s cultural development.
3. Espace Dalí
This is a museum specializing in the works of DALI Salvador that displays some of the best forms of surrealist sculptures and sketches by Dalí. It’s a real discovery for every art enthusiast, located within 10 minutes of walking from the Basilica.
4. Moulin Rouge
Right next to Sacré-Cœur, but a 15-minute walk away, is Par’s most famous cabaret, Moulin Rouge. Due to its spectacular live performances and instantly recognizable red windmill, it is worth a visit for anyone who wants to explore Paris’ nightlife.
5. The Wall of I Love You or I Love You Wall
This wall is in Montmartre and is known as «I Love You» wall, where the phrase «I love you» is scraped in 250 different languages. As it is unique for couples, the café is just a ten-minute walk from the Basilica.
Touring Sacré-Cœur is viewing architectural brilliance and exploring one of Paris’s most sacred and stunning locations. Montmartre Hill, the art gallery, and a historic apparition fairy tale all merged with the history and art impressed with marvellous stained glass painting of the Basilica make the trip to Paris incredible. Whether for the religious purposes, scenic terraces, or the colourful district of Montmartre, the church will not leave you untouched.
So make sure to include this extraordinary Basilica in your Paris schedule and marvel at the sturdiness of the structure and the splendour of Paris seen as you reach higher grounds.
