Audio GuideÉglise Saint-Augustin

Saint-Augustin Church in Paris is an extraordinary site where history and innovative design converge. Constructed between the mid-nineteenth century and the early eighteen seventies, this magnificent Catholic church was the brainchild of Victor Baltard and his team during a period when Paris was undergoing significant transformation under Napoleon the Third. The church was envisioned to complement landmarks like La Madeleine and continues to be an integral part of the city's heritage.

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The structure is renowned for combining a cast-iron framework with traditional stone construction, a daring approach that allowed for thinner walls and a spacious, open interior. Its architectural style is a fusion of Tuscan Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine elements, each adding distinctive touches to its overall character. The towering dome, reaching roughly two hundred and one feet, crowns the façade and catches the eye from afar.

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Visitors are struck by the impressive sculptural decorations, a grand rose window, and a frieze depicting Jesus with the apostles in artistic splendour. Inside, there are painted and gilded cast-iron columns, intricate stained glass windows, and artworks by renowned artists. The church also houses a historic organ, notable as one of the pioneering instruments using electricity, which has been enhanced over time by distinguished builders.

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Significant historical events include the conversion of Charles de Foucauld and the marriage of the esteemed playwright Edmond Rostand. Recent restorations have respected the original design while addressing modern urban challenges. This church remains both a spiritual refuge and a cultural landmark in Paris.