Saint Denis Basilica Cathedral - named after the martyred first Bishop of Paris, who was martyred around 250 AD. It was a place of pilgrammage, built in the 5th century. It was a powerful Benedictine abbey in the Middle Ages and most of the kings and queens of France have been buried here since the 6th century.
The renovation by Abbot Suger in the 12th century created the look we saw today -- considered to be early Gothic. The previous Roman style was low and dark without windows. The early Gothic style focused on height and light -- a pathway to Heaven.
The Basilica houses a unique collection of over 70 recumbent statues and tombs that show the changes in funeral art over the centuries.
From the high celings . . .
to the decorative floors, there is a lot to see.
Our group from COC with art professors Nicia and Rebecca.. . .
The Place outside of the Basilica, and the Town Hall of Sainte-Denis
I like the crab in the floor. :-)
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