Sacré Coeur
Sacré Coeur | |
Crowning
the Butte Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur
with its iconic ice-cream-scoop dome. Construction of this French–Byzantine
confection was started in the 1870s on the initiative of the Catholic Church to
atone for the “crimes” of the Commune. Square Willette,
the space at the foot of the monumental staircase, is named after the local
artist who turned out on inauguration day to shout “Long live the devil!”.
Today the staircase acts as impromptu seating for visitors enjoying the views
over Paris, munching on picnics and watching the street entertainers; the
crowds only increase as night falls. You can also get stunning views from the top of the dome,
which takes you almost as high as the Eiffel Tower |
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