Among the most iconic monuments in Paris, the Basilica of theSacred Heart has a place of choice. Overlooking Montmartre, its gigantic dome shaped like a meringue, its colossal dimensions and its spotless white coat, it catches everybody’s eyes. You can visit it from the crypt to the Dome, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart can always surprise you. Here are three quirky facts about it!
The secret for a spotless white
But why is it so white? While many monuments in Paris fight against the darkening of their facades, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart has always been this white. The answer may surprise you: it has been built with Château Landon stone. Alright, it doesn’t ring a bell. But you should know that when it rains, this very special stone whitens and secretes green cullet. This is how, thanks to this “self-cleaning” stone that the Basilica of the Sacred Heart remains always this white!
Two “sacred” records!
With its colossal dimensions, we can guess the Basilica of the Sacred Heart holds some records. But do you know which ones? The most famous one is its 475sqm mosaic covering the ceiling of the apse. This work depicting Jesus Christ’s Sacred Heart is the biggest mosaic in France and one of the biggest in the world.
The second record is for biggest bell in France: 3-meter diameter, 9.60-meter outer limits and weighing over 19 tons! Nicknamed “La Savoyarde”, its original name is Françoise Marguerite du Sacré Cœur de Jésus and its installation at the basilica required a 28-horse team.
Location
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
75018 Paris 18
Access
Metro Jules Joffrin (Line 12) Pigalle (Lines 12 and 2) Anvers (Line 2)
Official website
www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
