The bohemian neighborhood that Amélie made world-famous. 😄
Where is Montmartre?
Montmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, France.
It is one of the capital’s few hills, rising to an altitude of 130 meters.
The butte (small hill) of Montmartre is famous for :
- Its emblematic basilica, the Sacré Coeur.
- Its panoramic views.
- Its picturesque atmosphere.
- Its artistic tradition.
- Its typical cafés and restaurants.
It’s a popular site for tourists visiting Paris.
What is the history of Montmartre?
This hill has been a place of worship since Neolithic times. Several temples have been built here one after the other.
In 253 AD, Saint Denis, the first bishop of Lutetia (old name of Paris), was martyred and beheaded by the Romans at Montmartre. Legend has it that he picked up his head and walked for several kilometers, before collapsing on the site of today’s Basilica of Saint-Denis. This legend is false, but Saint Denis of Paris was indeed executed on the butte, along with other martyrs. This is the origin of the name “Montmartre”, which means “the mountain of martyrs”. The site of Saint Denis’ death became a place of pilgrimage (today crypte du martyrium de saint Denis).
A Merovingian basilica was built in the martyr’s honor, and later became the church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre.
In 1871, Montmartre was the site of the Paris Commune, a popular uprising during the Third French Republic.
In the late 19th century, the alleyways of the hilltop became an artistic center. Many impressionist painters lived or gathered there, attracted by its village atmosphere and cabarets.
What is the history of the basilica?
Work on the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre began in 1875, shortly after the bloody suppression of the Communards. It was officially completed in 1923.
The church, built of white travertine stone in the shape of a Greek cross, features oval domes and a campanile.
Today, it is one of the most visited monuments in Paris.
What is the Sacred Heart?
Between 1673 and 1675, Jesus Christ appeared to a French nun named Margaret Mary Alacoque. He showed her his heart, burning with love for humanity.
This episode was the origin of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus devotion, which gradually spread before being extended to the entire catholic church by the Pope in 1856.
Jesus’ love for mankind is represented by a flaming heart surmounted by a cross and encircled by a crown of thorns.
Energetic benefits
The basilica dedicated to the Sacré-Coeur is built on a natural energy point with the highest vibrations in Paris.
This location was known to ancient civilizations, which is why the hill has always been a place of worship.
Today, the many visitors unknowingly benefit from this powerful energy of transformation, amplified by :
- Multi-millennial devotion.
- The basilica building.
Conclusion
What are the energetic benefits of the Sacré-Coeur?
The white basilica that dominates the Montmartre hilltop is a spiritual and energetic highlight of Paris.
By visiting this place, I benefit from its transformative energy.