Saint-Augustin, Paris

Saint-Augustin is a church building with mixed architectural styles at the Boulevard Malesherbes intersection, combining cast-iron frameworks with stonework in a broad structure. The building measures 94 meters in length and is topped by a distinctive 80-meter-tall dome that shapes its skyline profile.

Construction started in 1860 under architect Victor Baltard's direction and was completed in 1871, while the city was being completely reshaped under Haussmann's major urban plan. The project was part of this modern city renewal, where old neighborhoods were torn down and new wide streets and public buildings were created.

The interior features gilded cast-iron columns with painted ceramic angels, while colored glass windows show scenes from early Christianity. Each chapel has its own decorations and artistic details that make the space feel rich and varied.

The building is easily accessible from the outside and sits on a busy boulevard in central Paris, where bus stops and metro stations are nearby. If you want to visit the interior, ask locally about opening times since these may vary due to religious services and ceremonies held there.

This building was among the first to use cast-iron as the main construction material for walls and columns, rather than relying on massive stone. This metal framework allowed for taller interior spaces and larger windows that let daylight inside in ways that traditional church designs could not achieve.

Location: 8th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1871

Architects: Victor Baltard

Architectural style: eclecticism in art

Height: 80 m

Length: 94 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Address: 8 avenue César Caire

Website: https://saintaugustin.net

GPS coordinates: 48.87583,2.31917

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02