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The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré Coeur Basilica, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. It is a popular landmark and the second most visited monument in Paris.
See the fact file below for more information on the Sacré Coeur or alternatively, you can download our 20-page Sacré Coeur worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- The Sacré Coeur stands at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. It is above all a religious (Catholic) building, shown by its perpetual adoration of the Holy Eucharist since 1885.
- The Sacré Coeur is also seen as a double monument, political and cultural, both a national penance for the defeat of France in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War and for the socialist Paris Commune of 1871.
- The basilica was designed by Paul Abadie. Its construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914. The basilica was consecrated after the end of World War I in 1919.
- The inspiration for the Sacré-Cœur’s design dates back to September 4, 1870. This is the day of the proclamation of the Third Republic, with a speech by Bishop Fournier.
- Today, the basilica is asserted to be dedicated in honor of the 58,000 people who lost their lives during the war. The decree of the Assemblée nationale on July 24, 1873, responded to a request by the archbishop of Paris and voting its construction, specified that it is to “expiate the crimes of the Commune.”
CONSTRUCTION
- Architect Paul Abadie designed the Sacré Coeur after winning a competition over 77 other architects. The foundation stone was finally laid on June 16, 1875.
- Abadie died not long after the foundation had been laid in 1884, and five architects continued with the work: Honoré Daumet (1884–1886), Jean-Charles Laisné (1886–1891), Henri-Pierre-Marie Rauline (1891–1904), Lucien Magne (1904–1916), and Jean-Louis Hulot (1916–1924).
- The basilica was not completed until 1914, when war intervened; it was formally dedicated in 1919 after World War I. Construction costs are estimated at 7 million French francs.
ARCHITECTURE
- The overall style of the structure shows a free interpretation of Romano-Byzantine features.
- Sacré Coeur has many design elements that symbolise nationalist themes: the portico, with its three arches, is adorned by two equestrian statues of French national saints Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX, both executed in bronze by Hippolyte Lefebvre; and the nineteen-ton Savoyarde bell (one of the world’s heaviest), cast in 1895 in Annecy, alludes to the annexation of Savoy in 1860.
- Sacré-Coeur is built of travertine stone quarried in Château-Landon, France. The basilica complex includes a garden for meditation with a fountain.
- The top of the dome is open to tourists and affords a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Paris.
- The Sacre-Coeur was built on top of the Montmartre hill, at a height of 130 meters.
- Both the dome and the bell tower are 91 meters tall. So, its total height is 213 meters above sea level.
SIGNIFICANCE
- In response to requests from French bishops, Pope Pius IX promulgated the feast of the Sacred Heart in 1856. The basilica itself was consecrated on 16 October 1919.
- Since 1885, before construction had been completed, the Blessed Sacrament has been continually on display in a monstrance above the high altar.
- Perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has continued uninterrupted in the basilica since 1885.
- Tourists are asked to dress appropriately when visiting the basilica and to observe silence as much as possible. Photos are not allowed to be taken in the Basilica.
ACCESS
- The basilica is accessible by bus. The Abbesses station could be a good choice as well, but is not wheelchair accessible.
- Sacré Coeur is open from 06:00 to 22:30 every day.
- The dome is accessible from 09:00 to 19:00 in the summer and 09:00 to 18:00 in the winter.
Sacré Coeur Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Sacré Coeur across 20 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Sacré Coeur worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré Coeur Basilica, which is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. It is a popular landmark and the second most visited monument in Paris.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Sacré Coeur in Paris, France Facts
- Sacré Coeur Timeline
- Coeur Facts
- Sacré Coeur in Numbers
- Info Check
- Sacré – Eiffel
- Its Symbolism
- True or False
- Dear Friend
- Paris Checklist
- Breaking News
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Link will appear as Sacré Coeur Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 25, 2019
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.