A visit to the Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) de Montmartre allows some excellent insight into Paris, whether it be visually, historically, socially, or religiously. For one, the basilica is situated on a hill that rises above the city, allowing for a wide-stretched and inspiring view of Paris. Second, the surrounding neighborhood (Montmartre) is refreshingly authentic and extremely endearing, with bustling open-air markets and small shops lining the streets, ramshackle apartments and rowhouses intermingled with miniature parks and old churches of a much smaller scale, as well as some of the finest and most inviting cafes and theaters in the city. Moreover, the genial atmosphere of Montmartre carries over onto the grounds of the basilica, as street performers, vendors and gregarious locals swarm the property, entertaining visitors daily, all day. But this festive atmosphere on the outside is not to be confused with the quiet austerity expected on the inside of the Sacre-Coeur.

Built over the course of 39 years (1875-1914), the basilica is constructed in Byzantine-style and adorned with stained glass windows. A ceiling mosaic of the choir greets visitors as they enter the The Assumption Dome. Also worth a look are the chapels of saints that are connected to each side of the basilica and the crypt located in the lower level of the building. The basilica has withstood quite a bit of history, as it survived the bombing of Montmartre during World War II and yet another bomb in 1974. The Sacre-Coeur is open daily to the public for worship. Visitors who would rather avoid the steep climb up the outside steps can ride the funicular from the base of the hill to the top.