Paris, France
Welcome to Église Saint-François-Xavier, a historic Roman Catholic landmark in Paris located in the seventh arrondissement near Place du Président-Mithouard and the Boulevard des Invalides. Built during the later years of the nineteenth century, construction began in eighteen sixty-one and the building opened for worship in eighteen seventy-four. The church was consecrated later in eighteen ninety-four and has been recognized as a historical monument since two thousand eighteen.
The architecture impresses with its dominant neo-Renaissance style. Two square towers frame the central facade, and the triangular pediment, created by Gabriel-Jules Thomas, depicts Saint François-Xavier baptizing people from distant lands such as India and Japan. Inside, the spacious neo-classical nave leads to several chapels and a grand dome adorned with paintings of the Twelve Apostles. Among its artworks is a rendition of the Last Supper attributed to Tintoretto, alongside masterful creations by artists including Lubin Baugin and Henry Lerolle.
A notable recent chapter occurred in two thousand nine when the relics of Madeleine-Sophie Barat were transferred to the church, underscoring its continuing cultural and religious significance. With convenient access via the metro at the Saint-François-Xavier station and nearby scenic public squares, the church is a captivating destination for travelers exploring Paris’s rich heritage in art, architecture, and history.
Listen to this and other guides in app
