Audio GuideSaint-Ambroise, Paris
Église Saint-Ambroise
Built in the 1860s, this church with Romanesque & Gothic elements has 2 spires & stained glass.
Church
Paris, France
Welcome to Saint-Ambroise Church in Paris, a remarkable landmark steeped in history and art. Originally, a humble seventeenth-century chapel was built by nuns from the Annonciades de Popincourt. Over time, and during the transformation of Paris, the old chapel gave way to a new vision. From eighteen sixty-three to eighteen sixty-nine, architect Théodore Ballu designed the present structure. It now stands as a brilliant mix of neo-Romanesque, neo-Gothic, and neo-Byzantine styles.
The church is known for its twin towers, each reaching an impressive height of sixty-eight meters, echoing the grandeur of the towers at Notre-Dame. Inside, a spacious nave and gallery are filled with light from vibrant stained-glass windows crafted between eighteen sixty-six and eighteen sixty-nine by Charles-Raphaël Maréchal’s workshop. Striking murals by Jules Lenepveu illustrate scenes from the life of Saint Augustine, while detailed enamel paintings on the façade celebrate themes of eloquence and theology.
Dedicated to the noted Italian bishop Saint Ambrose, the church honors his legacy through its art and design. Over the years, it has played roles in key historical moments such as the Paris Commune and events during nineteen ninety-six. With its grand organ, choir organ, and historic bells, Saint-Ambroise remains a living testament to Paris’s cultural and social heritage.
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