Saint-François de Molitor, Modern church in 16th arrondissement, France
Saint-François de Molitor is a modern church in Paris's 16th arrondissement with a distinctive elliptical footprint. Three monumental wooden doors mark the facade, which is clad in white marble from Kavala, and an electronic organ sits above the central entrance.
The building replaced a Capuchin chapel dating to 1941 and was consecrated by Archbishop André Vingt-Trois in March 2005. This new structure marked a turning point for the Catholic community in the area.
The interior embraces Second Vatican Council principles with minimalist design and a white tabernacle. The sparse religious decorations allow visitors to focus on stillness and prayer.
The entrance is easily accessible from the street and the building sits close to the Roland Garros tennis stadium. Visitors should keep in mind this is an active place of worship, so viewing may be limited during services.
The building's semi-translucent marble exterior walls allow natural light to filter through, creating shifting light patterns throughout the day. This subtle feature gives the interior a calm, changing quality that feels different depending on the time of day.
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