- Tourist Information
- Map
- Why is Sacré-Coeur important?
- Why is Montmartre Hill an important place?
- How can you reach The Sacré-Coeur?
- The stairs
- The funicular
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- What does the Sacred Heart of Jesus mean?
- Can visitors go inside Sacré-Coeur?
- What is inside the Sacré-Coeur Basilica?
- Main Altar
- Mosaics
- Crypt
- Chapel of the Sacred Heart
- Organ
- How can you reach The Dome?
- A place of worship from ancient times
- Do not miss the Souvenir Shop
- Are there nearby attractions to visit after seeing Sacré-Coeur?
- Saint Pierre de Montmartre
- Moulin de la Galette
Tourist Information
| Type | Basilica, Church, Religious |
| Construction year | 1914 |
| Getting there | By bus – Place du Tetre Station Metro – Line 12, Jules Joffrin station Head to the gardens and you will reach the funicular railway that will take you up to the top, or you can walk up more than 250 steps to the basilica at the top. |
| Visiting Hours | The Basilica: Daily, 06:30 – 22:30 The Dome: Access to the Dome is outside the Basilica on the left. There are 300 steps to climb and no lift. Summer 09:00 to 19:00 Winter 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Ticket Price | The Basilica: Free The Dome: There are various rates to access the Dome. Ask the ticket office for further information. Generally, a normal ticket for an adult is 6 euros. |
| Official Website | https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/ |
| Location | 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France, Europe |
Map
Why is Sacré-Coeur important?
Sacré-Coeur holds significance as both a religious site and a cultural landmark. It offers panoramic views of Paris and serves as a symbol of national pride and reconciliation.
The Sacre-Coeur Basilica is located on top of the hill of Montmartre.
The Sacre-Coeur Basilica was built with money from private donations. The names of the people who invested in the construction are engraved all over the church walls.
Why is Montmartre Hill an important place?
During construction, a staircase was discovered that led to an ancient crypt that was said to have been sanctified by Saint-Denis.
It was on this very hill in the 3rd century that Bishop Saint-Denis, Priest Saint Rusticus, and Deacon Saint Eleutherius were martyred, giving the hill its name “Mount of Martyr”.
Montmartre is a charming, bohemian neighborhood with a vibrant café culture surrounding the Sacré-Cœur.
How can you reach The Sacré-Coeur?
The stairs
The visitors can either climb the staircase or take the funicular railway. The staircase leads to the basilica and offers a unique perspective of the surroundings along the way.
The funicular
The funicular provides a more convenient option, especially for those with mobility issues, as it ascends directly to the top.
Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus is the son of God, for Christians.
What does the Sacred Heart of Jesus mean?
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a representation of the physical heart of Jesus Christ, which symbolizes his divine love for humanity. This devotion emphasizes the heart of Jesus as a symbol of God’s limitless and compassionate love for all people.
The roots of the devotion to the Sacred Heart go back to several mystics and saints in Christian history, but it gained popularity in the Catholic Church in the 17th century. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun who claimed to have seen visions of Jesus Christ, was the most prominent promoter of the devotion. During her visions, Jesus revealed his Sacred Heart to her and urged her to spread devotion to it.
The Sacred Heart is often depicted as a heart on fire, surrounded by a crown made of thorns, and sometimes punctured by a lance. This representation symbolizes the wounds Jesus endured during his crucifixion, emphasizing his love for humanity, his sacrifice on the cross, and his desire for personal devotion and spiritual communion with believers.
Can visitors go inside Sacré-Coeur?
Yes, visitors can enter Sacré-Cœur free of charge. They can admire its stunning interior, including mosaics, stained glass windows, and the grand organ.
What is inside the Sacré-Coeur Basilica?
Main Altar
The main altar is the focal point of the basilica, situated directly beneath the central dome. It is where Mass is celebrated and is typically adorned with intricate religious artwork.
Mosaics
The interior of the Sacré-Coeur is adorned with stunning mosaics depicting various religious scenes and symbols. These mosaics cover the walls, ceilings, and domes of the basilica, creating a breathtaking visual experience for visitors.
Crypt
Beneath the main sanctuary of the basilica lies the crypt, which contains additional chapels, relics, and places for prayer. Visitors can explore this lower level and view various religious artifacts and shrines.
Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Within the basilica, there is a dedicated chapel to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is the central focus of devotion in the church. This chapel often attracts visitors who come to pray and reflect on the love of Christ symbolized by the Sacred Heart.
Organ
The Sacré-Coeur is also home to a magnificent pipe organ, which is used during Masses and musical performances held in the basilica. The organ adds to the grandeur of the space and enhances the spiritual atmosphere during worship.
How can you reach The Dome?
To reach the Dome there are 300 steps to climb and no lift.
A place of worship from ancient times
Legend has it that Montmartre Hill has been a place of worship since ancient times. It is said that the Druids of ancient Gaul worshiped here, and the Romans built a temple dedicated to Mars and Mercury, to the Basilica that stands today.
Do not miss the Souvenir Shop
Inside the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, there is a very nice souvenir shop. I found here to buy unique religious things that I did not find elsewhere. I bought unique wooden icons, candles, and statues for the ladies in my family.
Are there nearby attractions to visit after seeing Sacré-Coeur?
Saint Pierre de Montmartre
The church was built on the site of the Temple of Mars the Romans built when they conquered France 20 centuries ago and is the oldest church in Paris.
Moulin de la Galette
Artists, such as Renoir, van Gogh, and Pissarro have immortalized Le Moulin de la Galette.
