Paris
Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world for good reason. Beautiful architecture, historical sites, top-notch museums, fabulous food, romantic strolls by the river... Paris has it all, including plenty for travelers interested in religious art and history. The capital city has played a key role in Roman, Christian and Jewish history and this heritage lives on in the cathedrals, monuments and artifacts these more devout times left behind. In addition, as a thriving urban center, Paris hosts a variety of newly-arrived religious communities including Muslims, Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Pentecostals. Follow a link below to explore the spiritual heritage of Paris.
Travel Resources for Paris
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See our Paris Map for a closer view. |
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Featured Religious Attractions in Paris
 This excellent museum of medieval art is housed in an abbot's mansion. Beneath the museum are ruins of ancient Roman baths.  Dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, this church was originally designed as a temple to the glory of Napoleon's army.  Housed in a grand palace stretching along the Seine River, the Musée du Louvre is one of the largest and most important museums in the world. Its 300,000+ objects include great treasures of religious art.  One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, this Gothic beauty is a must-see for its historical importance and magnificent artworks.  This church was originally part of an abbey dedicated to St. Genevieve, but since the 18th century it has served primarily as a burial place for French heroes.  This 19th-century basilica and landmark is built over the place to which St. Denis is said to have carried his own head after his martyrdom.  Famed for its stained glass, this beautiful 13th-century Gothic chapel was built by King Louis IX as a royal chapel to house important relics of Christ.  The most fashionable church in 19th-century Paris, this basilica dedicated to a saintly French queen is best known for its imposing twin spires.  The imposing Basilique St-Denis is notable for its early Gothic architecture and its history as a burial site of French monarchs.  This church stands on the site of an abbey founded by Clovis and dedicated to Geneviève, the patroness of Paris. It still receives pilgrims today.  When the Louvre was still a royal palace, this was its church. It accordingly drew an assortment of royalty, courtesans, men of art and law, and local artisans.  Built to house a relic of the True Cross brought from Spain in 542, this church was so powerful in the Middle Ages that it became a town within the town.  One of the oldest churches in Paris, the Romanesque St-Pierre-de-Montmartre was consecrated in 1147. Inside are 7th-century capitals and an early ribbed vault.  This huge - at one time the largest in Paris - Late Baroque church is located in the fashionable neighborhood of Saint-Sulpice. |
