Basilica of Saint Denis: Dedicated Entrance
The final resting place for France's kings and queens
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Highlight
- Explore the burial site of 43 kings, 32 queens and 10 servants of the monarchy, among them Marie Antoinette
- Admire the Gothic style of the world's earliest Gothic cathedral
- Avoid the busy areas around Notre-Dame or Sacré Coeur and enjoy a more secluded monument
Summary
Description
Discover the world's first Gothic cathedral and the burial site of 43 kings, 32 queens, and 10 members of the monarchy, such as Marie Antoinette. The Basilica of Saint Denis stands as a tribute to French art and architecture, showcasing more than 70 sculptures and grand tombs from the Renaissance period!
From King Dagobert in 639 AD to monarchs in the 19th century, a total of 43 kings, 32 queens, and 10 servants to the monarchy were laid to rest in the royal abbey of Saint-Denis. Although it may seem like a storyline from 'Game of Thrones', it is actually a part of French history.
Constructed over the tomb of Saint-Denis, a Bishop of Paris who passed away in 250 AD, this lovely basilica was declared a cathedral in 1966.Visit the largest collection of funerary sculptures from the 12th to the 16th centuries, along with over 70 statues and monumental tombs from the Renaissance era, all housed within this enclosure.Explore a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of French history, offering a plethora of impressive sights such as the crypts, where Marie Antoinette's tomb is now located.
