Basilica of Saint-Denis

The Basilica of Saint-Denis (French: basilique royale Saint-Denis; now formally known as the basilique cathédrale Saint-Denis) is a Roman Catholic cathedral that started as a medieval abbey church. It is found in the town of Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, France. This building is very important in history and architecture because its choir, finished in 1144, is thought to be the first building to use all the features of Gothic architecture.

The basilica became a special place for people to visit and a resting place for the kings of France, including almost every king from the 10th century until Louis XVIII in the 19th century. Important events happened there, like when Henry IV of France officially changed his religion to Catholic. The queens of France were crowned there, and special items used in coronations were kept there when not in use.

The site began as a place where people were buried long ago. Over time, important holy items, like the relics of Saint Denis of Paris, were placed there. In the 12th century, a leader named Suger added new and creative designs to the building, and later, another builder named Pierre de Montreuil added more beautiful Gothic styles.

Today, the basilica is a cathedral and the home of the Bishop of Saint-Denis. Plans are in place to rebuild its tall spire, which will take several more years to complete.

History

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is an important church in France. It is located in the town of Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. This church is special because parts of it were built in a style called Gothic architecture for the first time ever.

The site where the basilica stands has a long history. It is believed to be where Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was buried. Over many years, different parts of the church were built and changed by kings, abbots, and architects. One important person was Abbot Suger, who helped rebuild parts of the church in the 12th century. He made the church brighter with large windows and beautiful designs.

During tough times like wars and revolutions, the basilica was damaged, but it was also repaired and made beautiful again. Today, it remains an important place for history, architecture, and religion. People visit to see its stunning design and learn about the past.

Exterior

The west front of the Basilica of Saint-Denis was finished on 9 June 1140. It has three parts, each with a door, standing for the Holy Trinity. A wall with special edges links the towers.

The front is 34 metres wide and 20 metres deep, with three doors. The middle door is larger than the side doors. Only one tower still stands; the other fell down in a big storm in 1846.

Originally, the front had statues of kings and queens, but these were taken away. Some of the statue heads are in a museum in Paris. The bronze doors today show important events from the story of Christ. There is a big round window above the middle door, which was one of the first of its kind.

The east end of the church, called the chevet, was redone in a Gothic style starting in 1140. It was made taller, and special supports were added to hold up the walls and let in light through big windows. The sides of the church also got bigger windows and supports.

The north door, called the Porte de Valois, has detailed carvings of important figures and scenes. The south door shows scenes from the last days of Saint-Denis and his friends.

Interior

The nave and choir of the Basilica of Saint-Denis were rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 1300s. The walls have three levels: big arches, a small walkway called a triforium, and a row of tall windows. Thin columns hold up the roof, and windows let in lots of light.

The chevet, built between 1140 and 1144, was one of the first examples of Gothic architecture. It has a double walkway divided by columns, with walls full of windows because of outside supports. This design lets light into the choir. The walkway connects to five small rooms, each with big windows and matching roof designs. The crypt under the church was first built around 775 and later changed by Suger, with decorated walls and a path for visitors.

The basilica is where many French kings and queens are buried. The crypt has simple tombs, including those of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Many royal tombs were hurt during the French Revolution but were fixed later. Tombs from different times show different styles, with some showing the rulers in detailed scenes. The Sacristy, changed in 1812, shows old paintings and valuable items from the cathedral’s collection.

Art and decoration

The Basilica of Saint-Denis has beautiful stained glass windows and sculptures that tell old stories. Some of the oldest stained glass shows scenes from the life of Christ. It was made when a man named Abbot Suger was in charge. Only a few pieces of the original glass remain. Most of what we see today was made in the 1800s when the church was being fixed up.

The church also has many sculptures. These include statues of kings and queens of France and scenes from history. The statues on the doors tell stories about important people and events. They helped shape how later churches were built and decorated.

Choir stalls

The choir stalls are special seats for church leaders. They were made in the 16th century and have beautiful carvings. They include small seats called misericords where leaders could rest. These stalls were first placed in a palace and later moved to the Basilica of Saint-Denis in 1805.

Organ

The cathedral has a large organ made in 1843 by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. It was his first big project and started his career. The organ has three parts you play and pedals, and it includes special features like the Barker lever. It was protected as an important historic monument and has been cared for over the years.

Treasury

Main article: Treasury of Saint-Denis

The cathedral once had a rich treasure collection, including important crowns and religious objects gathered by Abbot Suger.

Burials

See also: Category:Burials at the Basilica of Saint-Denis

Kings

Most kings of France are buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Only five kings, like Charlemagne and Louis Philippe I, are buried in other places. Some well-known kings here are Louis IX of France, called Saint Louis, and Henry IV, who helped bring peace after a long time of trouble.

Other royalty and nobility

Many other important people from French history rest in the Basilica. This includes members of royal families, such as Marie Antoinette, and leaders like Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne.

Timeline

Here is a simple timeline of important events in the history of the Basilica of Saint-Denis:

• c. 250 AD – Saint Denis died for his beliefs.
• After 313 – People built the first church.
• 451–459 – Saint Genevieve made the church bigger.
• 626–639 – King Dagobert added more to the church and was buried there.
• 775 – Charlemagne dedicated a new church.
• 1122–1151 – Suger was the leader of the church.
• 1140–1144 – The church was rebuilt with new Gothic style designs.
• 1231 – More parts of the church were rebuilt.
• 1267 – King Louis IX started a special place for royal tombs.
• c. 1320–1324 – Six new chapels were built on one side.
• 1364 – King Charles V asked for his tomb to be placed there.
• 1572 – Work began on a grand tomb for the Valois family.
• 1771 – Some special statues were removed from the front.
• 1792 – The monks held their last service after the French Revolution.
• 1805 – Napoleon ordered the church to be fixed up.
• 1813 – More repairs started under architect François Debret.
• 1845 – The north spire fell down. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc took charge of fixing the church.
• 1862 – The church was named a protected historical site.
• 1966 – It became the main church for the area of Seine-Saint-Denis.
• 2004 – The heart of Louis XVII was placed in the Bourbon chapel.

Abbots

Main article: List of abbots of Saint-Denis

The Basilica of Saint-Denis has had many abbots. These leaders helped care for the church and its community. For a full list of the abbots, visit the linked page above.