A rare opportunity to discover the secrets of the Paris region's heritage! This time, we're taking you to Seine-Saint-Denis , to the town of Saint-Denis, home to one of France' s most historic monuments : the Basilica of Saint-Denis , where the kings of France are laid to rest. Known as the necropolis of the kings , this basilica is a treasure trove of Gothic architecture. We invite you to discover the rare monuments from the Middle Ages that can still be seen in the capital, to discover medieval Paris.
It stands on an ancient Gallo-Roman cemetery where Saint-Denis , the first bishop of Paris , is buried. Legend has it that he was beheaded on the Butte Montmartre. He then walked north, carrying his head, before stopping in front of a pious woman named Catulla. He gave her his head and collapsed. He was buried where the cathedral now stands, giving his name to the city of Saint-Denis.
Discover the medieval garden September 21 and 22, Presentation Come and enjoy the medieval garden of Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica, located at the foot of the magnificent 12th and 13th century chevet. Guided tours are offered to help you discover this unique garden. You'll also be able to wander freely around this outdoor space, which is usually closed to the public.
The cathedral basilica of Saint-Denis, a former royal abbey, illuminated the artistic, political and spiritual history of the Middle Ages for centuries. It stands on the site of the tomb of Denis, the first bishop of Paris, martyred around AD. This year marks the th anniversary of his accession to the abbatiate on March 11, This first monumental masterpiece of Gothic art was conceived as an immense reliquary dedicated to light, and destined to venerate the relics of Saint Denis.
In , Saint Louis completed the edifice. Nicknamed the "Lucerna", or lantern, because of its luminosity, the 13th-century basilica is a major work of Gothic art, with an exceptionally large transept designed to house the royal tombs. Having become one of the principal necropolises of Merovingian aristocrats and Carolingian sovereigns, the powerful Benedictine abbey definitively linked its destiny to that of royalty under the Capetians by becoming the burial place of the kings of France.
