Basilique Saint-Denis (La)Necropolis for Kings
Address: 1, rue de la LĂ©gion d'Honneur - Gilles Ajuelos
93200 - Northern Suburbs
Paris
Nearest Bus or Train:métro: Saint-Denis Basilique. RER: Saint-Denis
Open Hours:Apr-Sep: 10a-7p M-Sa, noon-7p Su, Oct-Mar: 10a-5p M-Sa, noon-5p Su (Guided tours: 11:15a-3p M-Su)
The first church was built in 475. It housed the tomb of Saint-Denis, who according to legend, carried his head there after he was beheaded. In the 12th century, the first stone of the basilica was laid. There followed the construction of the nave and the chancel, which is decorated with ornate rose windows. This abbey is a prime example of Gothic architecture. Between 996 and the end of the Ancien RĂ©gime, all French monarchs were buried here. During the French Revolution, the church was pillaged and the bodies exhumed. The 13th and 14th century funerary sculptures, and the archeological and Roman crypts are remarkable. Admission: (the tombs) adults EUR 4.88, 12-25yrs and students (with ID) EUR 3.20, under-12s free. Guided tours: audio-guide in English EUR 3.81
|
