Saint-Denis Basilica – The Royal Necropolis
The Basilica of Saint-Denis was originally an Abbey church and later became a cathedral. It is commemorated to Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris. A monastery has been at this location since the 7th century.
In the crypt you can see what survived of the 7th century Carolingian church (Carolingian Dynasty 751-987a.d.). Both the west façade and the crypt have Merovingian (Merovingian Dynasty 450-751 a.d.) marble capitals and columns which pre-date the 7th century church. In addition you can view marble capitals from the early church on display at the Musée National du Moyen Age.
Saint-Denis
Constructed in 1136, the present-day church had its choir dedicated in 1144. It is considered to be the birthplace of Gothic architecture. This church is also the first place stained glass was used for large windows and the first use of a rose window. Sadly, only one of the stained glass windows has survived to the present day. The church was severely damaged during the French Revolution but Napoléon began its restoration in 1805.
The Royal Necropolis
The Basilica of Saint-Denis is referred to as the “Royal Necropolis” of France because the Kings of France have been buried here since the seventh century. The church was built on a Gallo-Roman cemetery where Saint Denis was buried in the third century so it is almost as though it was predestined to be a necropolis. All but three kings of France are buried here.
The funeral sculpture of the kings’ sarcophagi is splendid. Here you will find not less than 42 kings, 32 queens and 63 prince and princesses buried.
Crypt of Marie -Antoinette
Funeral Sculpture of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany at Saint-Denis
Above: Tomb of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany – notice how the couple is both recumbent below and yet above kneeling in prayer.
Moving to the exterior of the church, as with all cathedrals, you will find the door on the west side. The relief work on this side of the church is of the Last Judgment. On the north side are scenes from the Old Testament and on the south side are scenes from the New Testament.
Directions
2 rue Strasbourg
Metro Line 13, Basilique de St Denis stop
( be sure to take the train that goes to Saint-Denis University as Line 13 splits into 2 lines towards its terminus.)
Reference
William W. Clark, “Context, Continuity, and the Creation of National Memory in Pairs, 1130-1160: A Critical Commentary”, Gesta, Vol. 45, No. 2, 50th Anniversary of the International Center of Medieval Art (2006), pp. 161-175.
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