Saint-Sulpice Church, located in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, is a significant Roman Catholic church renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical importance. As the second-largest church in Paris, it stands just behind Notre-Dame Cathedral in size.
Historical Background
The current structure of Saint-Sulpice Church was constructed over a Romanesque church from the 13th century. The new building was founded in 1646 by parish priest Jean-Jacques Olier, who had established the Society of Saint-Sulpice, a clerical congregation, and a seminary attached to the church. Construction began in 1646 but faced numerous delays, leading to its completion in 1732. This extended timeline resulted in a blend of architectural styles, with contributions from several esteemed architects over the years.
Architectural Highlights
- Facade: The church’s facade is notable for its two mismatched towers, a result of the prolonged construction period and changing architectural plans. The western facade, designed by Giovanni Servandoni, features a two-story colonnade with Doric and Ionic columns. Wikipedia
- Interior: Inside, the church boasts a vast nave with side aisles and chapels. The interior is adorned with frescoes by renowned artists, including Eugène Delacroix, whose works “Jacob Wrestling with the Angel” and “Heliodorus Driven from the Temple” can be found in the Chapel of the Holy Angels. Delve Into Europe
- Gnomon: A notable feature within the church is the gnomon, an astronomical instrument installed in the 18th century. It consists of a brass line embedded in the floor, culminating at an obelisk, and was used to determine the exact date of Easter by tracking the sun’s position. History Hit
Cultural Significance
Saint-Sulpice Church gained international attention through its mention in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code.” In the book, the church is depicted as a key location in the protagonist’s quest, leading to a surge in visitors intrigued by its fictional portrayal.
Recent Events
In October 2024, Saint-Sulpice Church hosted an immersive light show titled “Paris Cœur de Lumières.” The event featured 360-degree video projections, lasers, and live performances, narrating the church’s historical significance and its role in the Saint-Germain district during the 17th-century civil war and the French Revolution. The show ran until November 23, 2024, and highlighted Paris’s trend of using light technology in church illuminations.
Visiting Information
- Location: Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris, France.
- Access: The church is accessible via the Saint-Sulpice Metro station (Line 4) or by several bus routes, including lines 58, 63, 70, 86, 87, 89, and 95. The Catholic Travel Guide
- Opening Hours: Saint-Sulpice Church is open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Guided tours are available every Sunday at 2:30 PM, with additional tours of the crypts on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 3:30 PM. Paris Je T’aime
Saint-Sulpice Church remains a testament to Paris’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s historical and artistic legacy.