Audio GuideEglise de la Sainte Trinité
This ornate Catholic church was built in 1867 as part of Baron Haussmann's beautification of Paris.
Church
Paris, France
Église de la Sainte-Trinité is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris. Built between eighteen sixty-one and eighteen sixty-seven during Emperor Napoleon III’s reign, the church was part of Baron Haussmann’s grand renovation of Paris. The project aimed to modernize the city for its growing population, leaving behind sweeping changes that still influence Paris today.
Located at Place d'Estienne d'Orves, three rue de la Trinité in the ninth arrondissement, this Roman Catholic landmark stands at a bustling crossroads, easily reached by the nearby Trinité Metro station. Its architecture blends Neo-Renaissance style with Second Empire influences. The sixty-five-meter-tall bell tower, adorned with French and Italian Renaissance details, forms a striking silhouette against the Paris skyline.
Throughout its history, the church has served more than religious functions. It became a hospital during the Franco-Prussian War and a meeting hall during the Paris Commune. It has also been linked to French musical heritage by hosting the funerals of famous composers like Rossini, Berlioz, and Bizet, and later by the long and inspiring tenure of organist Olivier Messiaen.
Inside, visitors can experience lavish paintings, detailed sculptures by celebrated artists, and stunning stained glass windows in the Chapel of the Virgin by Eugène Oudinot and Auguste Leloir. Two impressive organs by Cavaillé-Coll add to its musical legacy. This unique blend of art, history, and community spirit makes Église de la Sainte-Trinité a captivating destination for travelers exploring Paris’s rich heritage.
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