Audio GuideSainte-Clotilde, Paris
Basilique Sainte-Clotilde
19th-century church known for its organ & organists, declared a minor basilica by Pope Leo XIII.
Church
Paris, France
Sainte-Clotilde Basilica stands majestically in the seventh arrondissement of Paris on rue Las Cases. Constructed between eighteen forty-six and eighteen fifty-seven, it was the city's first neo-Gothic church, initially designed by Franz Christian Gau and later completed by Théodore Ballu. The elongated façade and twin towers, each soaring to around sixty metres, give it the air of a small cathedral, inviting visitors into a realm of history and art.
The church is named in honour of Saint Clotilde, the wife of King Clovis, whose influence significantly contributed to the king's conversion to Christianity nearly fifteen hundred years ago. The richly adorned west façade features three portals, pointed arches, and statues honouring both Saint Clotilde and Saint Valère.
Inside, natural light floods through the tall stained glass windows, illuminating intricate sculptures, elaborate wood carvings, and frescoes that narrate biblical stories, including the baptism of Clovis and episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Music enthusiasts also admire the magnificent Cavaillé-Coll organ, installed in eighteen fifty-nine and later modernised. This fine instrument has been played by renowned organists such as César Franck.
The basilica has been the setting for memorable cultural events, from prestigious weddings to significant funerals, underscoring its importance in the rich religious and cultural tapestry of Paris.
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