St. Denis, Paris, France

Steven Dutch, Professor Emeritus, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay


According to tradition, St. Denis, first bishop of Paris, was beheaded on Montmartre hill, and carried his severed head seven miles here, preaching all the way, before dying. Now that is hard-core.

This trope is so common in saint myths it has a technical term: cephalophore ("Head carrier").

Interior Views

Royal Sarcophagi

The Crypt

Models of the basilica in its medieval setting.
Better late than never. That unfinished spire may eventually be built.
The mairie (town hall)

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Created 25 October 2018, Last Update 04 June 2020