In the 3rd century, the first bishop of Paris, St Denys, was beheaded here. A Benedictine Abbey occupied the entire hill until rioters of the French Revolution burned it down.

During the Prussian War of 1870, the two Catholic businessmen who initiated the Sacré Coeur project wanted to build an offering should France survive the conflict.

The construction was approved and the site selected in 1872 by the then-archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Guibert. Financed predominantly by modest donations, work began in 1875 and was finished in 1914. Due to the outbreak of WWI, the consecration was delayed to 1919.

Despite its late-19th century origins, the architecture is a much older style. A mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine, the white, Oriental-style domes house a 19-ton bell (Savoyarde) and elaborate reliefs. Note: ‘Oriental’ does not mean ‘Asian’. The architecture of the Middle East is commonly known as ‘Oriental’.

Apart from its unusual (for the time and place) architectural style, the building has another unusual feature. The walls themselves actually get whiter with age. Made of travertine, a type of stone which leeches calcite, any accumulated soot and weathering gradually erode leaving the exterior a dazzling white.

The art work accompanying the building is alone worth the trip. The sculptures atop the entrance are bronze equestrian statues of Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) and King Louis. There are numerous mosaics and paintings covering the interior, including a large figure of the Virgin and Child. And, the ‘Christ in Majesty’ mosaic in the apse is one of the largest in the world.

The church is located in the north of Paris and rises 129 meters above-sea level. It is the second highest location after the Eiffel Tower. Sited next to the basilica is the still-standing 6th century St. Pierre de Montmartre church.

The building is a series of stepped-back rectangular walls pierced by several arches and capped by domes of varying sizes. Around the structure are complementary gardens and fountains, providing a peaceful site. That is, during those times when the grounds and building aren’t overcrowded, such as during the off-seasons or early in the morning.

From every angle without and many within the basilica is much more impressive than it generally receives credit for. Though a traditional style, the carvings and additions all form a harmonious whole. The golden mosaics give a glow to the interior that supports the site’s purpose as an area for contemplation.

From the grounds, high atop Paris, one can look out over the entire city and from within the dome there are equally impressive views. In the distance is the Eiffel Tower, and at dusk the combination of the onset of lights and the setting sun is spectacular.

Access to the site is challenging. There’s a metro (subway) station nearby at Abbesses. But, there are a great many steps leading up the hill to the basilica. The walk is eased somewhat by the funiculaire.

The construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and was completed circa 1345. During its construction there were many architects involved which is evidenced by the varying styles present in the completed cathedral. In the 1790’s much of the cathedral was ruined, especially the religious imagery and façade of the building. The French Revolution was the cause of this destruction but a restoration project was undertaken in the nineteenth century to restore the cathedral to its former magnificence. Victor Hugo, with his book The Hunchback of Notre Dame, brought attention to the restoration project, inciting many Parisians to donate to the restoration cause. The organ and the bells of Notre Dame are among the famous features of the cathedral.

For those interested in architecture, Notre Dame is a splendid example. The flying buttresses are among the first ever in that style. The stained glass and religious imagery abundant in the cathedral are a sight to be seen. The Gothic style brings a feeling of old world romance and reverence. The interior of the cathedral depicts the story of the bible with its stained glass and statuettes. Art and architecture buffs alike will appreciate the beauty and romance of Notre Dame.

For those who are interested in history, Notre Dame is rich in it. Kings have been crowned in the cathedral, royal marriages have taken place and saints have been canonized. Crusaders would come to Notre Dame to reflect and pray before embarking on a holy war. Napoleon and his wife Josephine were crowned emperor and empress in Notre Dame and Pope Pius VII officiated the service. Joan of Arc was canonized by the church in 1920.

Today, Roman Catholic masses are held in the cathedral as well as concerts featuring the famous Notre Dame Gregorian choir and the 7,800 pipe organ. For those interested in a moving spiritual experience, masses in the grand cathedral are awe inspiring. There are both week day and weekend masses available. Weekday masses are held in the main alter as well as in the choir. Sunday masses are all held in the main alter. If you have the opportunity to go to a Sunday mass with the Gregorian choir, this can be a magnificent experience not soon forgotten.

Ultimately, the purpose of building the Eiffel Tower was for the Paris Exposition of 1889. A design competition was initiated for the purpose of choosing the most appropriate design for the soon-to-be erected tower. There have been 700 design entries. However, the entry submitted by a French structural engineer named Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923) was unanimously selected. Engineers Mauriche Koechlin and Emile Nouguier and Architect Stephen Sauvestre assisted in finishing this design.

One of the arguments raised regarding the creation of Eiffel Tower was a petition submitted to the city government by well-known personalities during that era including Maupassant, Emile Zola, Charles Garnier and Dumas the Younger. In their petition they regarded the Eiffel Tower as a useless and monstrous tower. Another group that questioned the construction of Eiffel tower was the nature lovers who deliberate that the tower will disturb the flight of birds in Paris.

In spite of controversies and arguments raised by several groups, there are also names that approve and appreciate the charm of the Eiffel Tower. These names include Rosseau, Utrillo, Chagall, and Delaunay. In 1909, at the expiration of its 20-year lease; the Eiffel Tower old and shabby was saved because of its antenna used in telegraphy. In 1910, the structure became part of the International Time Service. In 1918, French radio started to make use of the tower while French television did the same in 1957. Semiologist Roland Barthes made a wonderful study of the stature in the 1960s.

With the height that reaches 300m / 984 ft. (320.75m / 1,052 ft. including antenna) and total weight of 7000 tons, the Eiffel Tower is composed of two obviously well-defined parts: the base with a platform laid on four independent supports on top of this is a slim tower is formed as the supports narrow going up the second platform to meet and fuse together forming a unified column.

Before the emergence of the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower was the highest structure in the world. The brain behind the Eiffel Tower was the leading European authority on the aerodynamics of high frames. His engineering wizardry was clearly manifested in this masterpiece. The Eiffel Tower can withstand strong winds without swaying more than 4-1/2 inches.

At the moment, after all the controversies and issues raised regarding the construction of the stature, the Eiffel Tower is now well-renowned in the whole world as one of the most remarkable representations of Paris.