The Saint Denis Basilica Paris is known as Basilique de Saint-Denis or Basilique Saint-Denis. It is one of the major religious sites of Paris. Saint Denis Basilica is actually the burial site of nearly all the monarchs of France. The basilica is situated in Saint-Denis Saved in the northern suburbs of Paris and was reconstructed by the architect Viollet le Duc.
The tombs of some of the popular people that can be seen in the Basilica are Pippin the Younger, Francis I of France, Louis XV of France and Saint-Denis. Charles Martel, Leo V of Armenia, Louis XIV of France and Louis XVIII of France are some of the other famous people whose graves rest at the Saint Denis Basilica.
History of Saint-Denis Basilica
Saint Denis Basilica in Paris was constructed in the 12th century under the guidance of Abbé Suger, who was the abbot of Saint-Denis and also a minister of the monarchs Louis VI and Louis VII. During the French Revolution, the basilica was ruined. Later it was restored by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
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Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris was among the first cathedral that was constructed following the Gothic architecture and was very similar to the Chartres, Senlis, and other French cathedrals.
The tombs of numerous kings and famous personalities of France can be seen within the cathedral. The tombs of Francis I built by Philibert Delorme and of Henry II by Germain Pilon are some of the tombs that are worth seeing. The remains of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are entombed in the crypt
Architecture of Saint-Denis Basilica
This architectural landmark was initially built in the Gothic style. It went through several reconstructions and the present day basilica was constructed in 1231 following the Rayonnant style. The church is also important architecturally for the fact that it is probably the first church built in Rayonnant style. Some of the attractions of the Basilica are the stained glass windows in the chevet and the rose windows on the facade.
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