Saint-Roch, Parish church in Palais-Royal, Paris, France
Saint-Roch is a parish church stretching 126 meters along Rue Saint-Honoré with a baroque facade of pale marble. Inside, the space is divided into several chapels decorated with sculptures, paintings, and side altars.
King Louis XIV laid the foundation stone in 1653 under architect Jacques Lemercier, with construction continuing until 1754. The lengthy building period reflected the evolving artistic styles of the era.
Artists and writers gathered here over centuries, reflected in the tombs of famous figures scattered throughout. As you walk through the chapels, the sculptures and paintings show how important this place was to Paris's cultural life.
The church is open to visitors during the day for exploring the interior and attending services. Allow enough time to move through the different chapels and appreciate the artwork without rushing.
In 1795, the church steps became a battleground during a political uprising when troops used them as a strategic position. This violent moment left marks that remain part of the church's story.
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