Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Saint Jean de Montmartre, near the Abbesses métro station.
One of the joys of wandering around Paris is the multitude of églises (churches), cathédrales (cathedrals) and basiliques (basilicas). They can be found in every arrondissement, and they are usually stuffed with fine art and open to the public each day of the week.
Whenever I pass a church that I haven't yet visited, I try to pop in if I have the time. I never fail to see something incredible: intricate mosaic tile floors, gorgeous sculptures, vaulted ceilings that seem to defy the laws of gravity or just an incredible moment like this one, captured on a quiet weekday afternoon at Saint Jean de Montmartre as sunlight streamed through a stained-glass window and landed on a chair in a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Saint Jean de Montmartre, which is overshadowed by nearby Sacré Coeur, isn't a very old church by Paris standards. It was completed in 1904 and, at the time, was considered to be shockingly modern. It features a rare brick exterior with an Art Nouveau ceramic tile entryway, and there are more surprises inside: notably, four stained glass windows depicting the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Despite the creepy theme, the church has an almost cozy feel, making it perfect for a quick art detour or a moment of quiet reflection.
Paris has the best cathedrales in Europe. They are full of history, likr Notre Dame, or splendidly decorated by the royal family.
Posted by: Hotel la Defense | February 07, 2011 at 08:51 PM