Saint Denis Basilica

The Basilica of Saint Denis (French: Basilique de Saint-Denis, or simply Basilique Saint-Denis) is the famous burial site of the French monarchs, comparable to Westminster Abbey in England. Almost all the kings of France were buried in the Basilica, but unlike Westminster Abbey it was not used for coronations (a role devoted to the Cathedral of Reims). The basilica is located in Saint Denis, now a northern suburb of Paris.

Architecture

The church is an architectural landmark, part of which is considered to be the first major structure built in the Gothic style. Saint Denis' Gothic structure that we know and see today was begun in 1136 by the Abbot Suger (1081-1155), but the major construction was not completed until the end of the 13th century.

Related Topics:
Gothic style - 1136 - Abbot Suger - 1081 - 1155 - 13th century

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