Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis Paris

Explore Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

Saint-Denis’ Main Facade (12th century)

The main facade of the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The facade is made up of three levels, each with its own unique features. The first level is made up of two large towers that flank the central entrance. The towers are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, and the central entrance is surmounted by a large rose window.

The Lower Part of the Chorus (12th century)

With the Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis tickets, you can marvel at the Lower Part of the Chorus of the church. It is one of the largest and best-preserved Romanesque structures in the world. The Chorus was built to support the weight of the cathedral's upper floors and roofs. It is composed of four massive pillars and two rows of smaller pillars. The Chorus is decorated with carved stone reliefs, which depict scenes from the Bible.

The Central Nave (13th century)

The central nave of the cathedral is particularly stunning, with its high ceilings and large stained glass windows. The tomb of King Louis IX of France is located in the central nave, and the tomb of his wife, Queen Margaret of Provence, is located in the nearby Chapel of Saint-Denis.

Rose Window

One of the main attractions to see with the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis tickets is the stunning Rose Window. The window is made up of numerous small pieces of glass that are all different colours. The colours are all very vibrant and they create a beautiful effect when they are hit by the sunlight. The window is also very detailed and it is hard to believe that it was made over 700 years ago.

Doors of the Central Portal

The doors of the central portal of the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis in Paris are a set of three doors that were installed in the 13th century. The doors are made of wood and are decorated with bronze reliefs. The central door is the largest and is surmounted by a tympanum that depicts the Last Judgment. The two side doors are smaller and depict scenes from the life of Saint Denis, the patron saint of France.

Legacy of Saint-Denis and Gothic Architecture

The Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is a Gothic cathedral which also serves as the burial site of many French kings and queens, as well as the patron saint of France, Saint Denis. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and the central portal dates from the 13th century. The Gothic architecture of the portal is characterized by its intricate stone carving and large rose window.

History Of Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

The Abbey of Saint-Denis

The Abbey of Saint-Denis was founded in the 6th century by Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris. The abbey became a powerful Benedictine monastery, with a large church and many dependencies. It was sacked by the Vikings in the 9th century, but was rebuilt and flourished in the 10th and 11th centuries. The present Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis was built on the site of the abbey church in the 19th century.

A Royal Monument

With your Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis tickets, you can gain insights into how this church was also a royal monument. In the early 13th century, the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis became a royal monument. The burials before this time were of religious figures, nobles, and royalty. The change in status meant that the basilica became the final resting place for all the kings and queens of France. It was consecrated in 1144 by Pope Innocent II.

The Recumbent Effigies and Tombs of Saint-Denis

Louis IX is believed to have strengthened the role of the Basilica as a royal necropolis. He commissioned a series of 16 recumbent effigies around the year 1265, which are said to be the largest funerary sculpture series of the entire European middle ages. In the 13th century, they were also among the very first funerary sculptures made for the abbey of Saint-Denis.

Restoration Works of the 19th Century

The Saint-Denis in the Basilica Cathedral was the site of many historical events. It was the site of the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution and the site of the funeral of King Louis XVI in 1793. In the 19th century, the Basilica was restored by the architect Viollet-le-Duc.

Innovative Architecture

The Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, after undergoing transformation in the 19th century, changed into a highly innovative building, blending Gothic and Romanesque architecture styles. The exterior of the cathedral was Gothic in style, while the interior was Romanesque, making for a very interesting and unique building. The interior was made spacious and has a high ceiling, along with the stained glass windows also add to its beauty.

Some Essential Tombs

According to the history of the church, which can be found with the help of Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis tickets, the Basilica has always been a royal necropolis. It has been the final resting place of numerous French royals for times immemorial. Some of the most important tombs that you can find here include that of Dagobert, the first king who was buried in the basilica in 639. You can also find the recumbent effigy of Isabella of Aragon, who was the wife of Philip III the Bold, the recumbent effigy of Charles V as well as the tomb of Louis XII.

Plan your Visit to Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

Essential Information
How to Reach
  • Opening Hours:
  • From April to September: 10:00 a.m. to 06:15 p.m. (Monday to Saturday); 12:00 p.m. to 06:15 p.m. (Sunday)From October to March: 10:00 a.m. to 05:15 p.m. (Monday to Saturday); 12:00 p.m. to 05:15 p.m. (Sunday) Closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th

    • Location:

    1, rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis, Paris, France

    • Best Time to Reach:
    • The best time to visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is in the summertime. The weather is warm and the days are long, so you can explore the cathedral and its grounds at your leisure.Additionally, the best time to visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is in the morning, when the rays of the sun shine through the stained glass windows of the cathedral.

  • By Metro:

You can take a ride on Line 13 of the metro, and get off at the Basilique de Saint-Denis station, which is located just 2 to 3 minutes from the church.

  • By RER:

You can avail a ride of RER D and get off at the Saint-Denis stop, from where you can take Tramway T1, to get to the church within 5 minutes, or walk to the church, which will take around 15 minutes. You can also choose to ride the RER B, and then take Bus number 153 or 253 to get to the church.

Book Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis Tickets Online

Grab the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis tickets and enjoy a visit to this magnificent Gothic era landmark located in Paris. Marvel at the stunning French elements in the structure of the basilica, ranging from pointed arches and stained glass windows to flying buttresses and more. Use your Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis tickets to gain insights into the history and religious significance of the church, which has been built on the sepulchre of Bishop Saint-Denis.


Explore the burial sites of the Rulers of France, in addition to the graves of 43 kings as well as 32 queens of the country. You can also avail the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis tickets to see the vast collection of tombs dating all the way back to the Renaissance era in this church. Don’t forget to see the grave of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, which is located in the crypt of the cathedral, or the epitaphic statues from the 12th to 16th centuries in the cathedral walls during your visit to this monument.

FAQ's about Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

Why is the Basilica of Saint Denis important?

Why is the Basilica of Saint Denis important?Dating back to the 12th century, the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is one of the first Gothic cathedrals in the region. It is considered very important owing to its history as a royal necropolis. The cathedral is also significant because it is home to the tombs and graves of many French kings and queens.

Why was the Basilica of Saint-Denis built?

The Basilica of Saint-Denis was built in the 12th century to house the remains of Saint Denis, the patron saint of France. His body was said to have been miraculously preserved and became a site of pilgrimage. In the 12th century, Abbot Suger of the Abbey of Saint-Denis decided to build a new, larger church to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.

What is the best time to visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis?

The best time to visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is in the morning, right when the basilica begins welcoming visitors for the day. This is when there are lesser crowds here, and you can soak in the beauty of its architecture which glows in the soft sunlight.

How can I book tickets for the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis?

You can book the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis Tickets online, and enjoy several added benefits and inclusions during your visit, whilst also saving your time, energy and money.

What is the best way to book Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis tickets?

The best way to book Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis tickets is to avail them online. This will not only help you to secure your visit to this popular attraction, but also offer you a direct entry into the cathedral. You can also avoid having to stand in the queues for long hours during entry if you book your Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis Tickets online.

What was the Basilica of St Denis used for?

The Basilica of Saint Denis was used as a place of pilgrimage, in addition to a burial site housing the tombs of the kings and queens of France, from the 10th to the 19th century.

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