1. Just a few miles north of Paris sits the Basilica of Saint Denis, a medieval abbey church that became a cathedral in 1966. From the front, you get an idea of its long history: it used to have two flanking stone towers, of which only the south one survives today: its partner was dismantled following clumsy repairs in the early 19th century, when many churches, including Notre-Dame, were renovated after the general displeasure throughout the country with regards to the Church during the French Revolution.
2. The basilica is perhaps best known as being the final burial place for all but three of France’s kings, as well as earlier monarchs like Clovis. Here you see Louis III and Pippin. It was traditional in the Middle Ages to bury people with their likeness sculpted in stone on top of the tomb. These likenesses were always sculpted as though the person depicted were still alive.
3. Even more of these kings are below the actual basilica, in the crypt. This is the site where Saint Denis, the patron saint of Paris, set his head down after being decapitated for illegally practicing Christianity in the 3rd century. It’s because of this legend that this ground became perceived as so holy.
4. The choir, which was completed in 1144, is one of the oldest parts of the church and shows the first use of all of the elements of Gothic architecture. It’s also home to some beautiful stained glass windows that depict stories from the Old and New testaments.
5. There are tons of beautiful details to discover in this basilica. It’s not nearly as famous as Notre-Dame, but in my mind, it’s well worth the hike out to the suburbs to discover (especially because it’s on the metro! Take the line 13 to Basilique Saint-Denis, and you’ll be just a few steps away.)