Basilique Saint-Denis, Cathedral in Saint-Denis, France
The Basilique Saint-Denis is a Gothic cathedral located just north of Paris, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, tall stone columns, and numerous large stained glass windows that illuminate its interior spaces.
Construction began in 1135 under Abbot Suger, and the choir completed in 1144 is considered the first true Gothic building, introducing architectural innovations that influenced cathedrals throughout Europe for centuries.
Serving as the royal necropolis of France since the 7th century, the basilica contains tombs of 40 kings, numerous queens, and other nobles, preserving the nation's royal heritage and funerary art traditions.
The basilica is accessible via the Paris Metro line 13 at Basilique Saint-Denis station, with guided tours and audio guides available in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
According to tradition, Saint Denis carried his severed head from the site of his martyrdom to this location around 250 AD, inspiring centuries of pilgrimage and royal patronage at this sacred burial ground.
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