Sacrè Coeur, Paris, France
After France was defeated and partially occupied by German troops, Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rahault de Fleury vowed to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart as a penance, since, in their opinion, the misfortune of France was a sign of spiritual decadence.
At the end of 1872, the archbishop of Paris approved the vow and chose Montmartre for the construction. The work was funded by donations collected throughout France. In 1874 a public competition was held to select the best plan, which was won by architect Paul Abadie. In 1891 the basilica was inaugurated with the big dome yet to be built; it was consecrated in 1919. The mosaic of Christ in Glory, that decorates the apse, was inaugurated in 1923.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., entrance free; access to the dome from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Oct. to Apr.) and 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (may to Sep.)- a charge of €6 applies; for security reason, access to the crypt is closed (June 2017).
How to go: Anvers metro station
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