Designed by the architect, Abadie, who was also responsible for the restoration of St Front Cathedral in Périgueux, work began on the construction of Sacré Coeur in 1875. Abadie, however, died in 1884 and work was not completed until 1914. The white-domed church, which is built in a Roman-Byzantine style, houses one of the world’s largest mosaics designed by the French architect Luc Olivier Merson, depicting Christ with outstretched arms. The domed bell tower contains the Savoyarde, which was cast in Annecy in 1895 and is one of the heaviest bells in the world, weighing in at 19.3 tonnes (19 tons). Today, thousands of visitors climb up the steep steps or take the funicular railway to the top of the Butte de Montmartre (the Hill of Martyrs) every day for the spectacular views across Paris. On a clear day, it is possible to see for 40km (25 miles) from the top of the 112m (367ft) bell tower, which is the highest point in Paris.

Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 5341 8900. Fax: (01) 5341 8910. E-mail: basilique@sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
Website: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Air: Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Rail: Funicular: Trains run from the base of the Butte de Montmartre to the church at the summit. Underground: Anvers or Abbesses. Road: Bus: 30, 31, 80 or 85.

Basilica: Daily 0600-2300. Dome and Crypt: Daily 0915-1730.

Basilica: Free. Dome and Crypt: EUR4.5/FFr30 (adult), EUR2.5/FFr16 (child under 16).

France, Paris