Cathedrale Saint-Louis (Saint Louis Cathedral), Versailles (must see)
The Saint Louis Cathedral is a revered National Monument with a rich historical background. Originally built on the site of the former parish church of Saint Louis, it was constructed in 1754 by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart and gained its cathedral status in 1790. The cathedral's striking Neo-classical fa莽ade is adorned with Doric and Corinthian columns, two bell towers, and a dome with a spire shaped like a baluster over the Crossing, reflecting the architectural elegance of the era.
In 1755, six bells were installed in the cathedral's towers, named after prominent figures of the time, including Queen Marie, Princess Josephine of Savoy, and four of King Louis XV鈥檚 children: Adelaide, Louise, Sophie, and Victoria. However, during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, these bells were removed and melted down, and the cathedral was repurposed as the Temple of Abundance. It wasn't until 1843 that the building was restored to its former glory and reinstated as a cathedral.
The Saint Louis Cathedral boasts 17 side chapels, each with unique dedications. On the left side of the transept, visitors can find the chapels dedicated to the Dead, Saint Julian, Saint Genevieve, and Saint Peter, along with those of Ecce Homo, Providence, Saint Fran莽ois, Saint Vincent, Saint Paul, Saint Joseph, and the Sacred Heart. Each chapel offers a glimpse into various aspects of religious devotion and historical significance.
On the right side, the Chapel of Baptism features its baptismal fonts, alongside the Chapel of the Presentation of the Saint Virgin and the Chapel of Saint Charles. Surrounding the quire beyond the transept are three additional chapels dedicated to the Good Minister, Saint Louis, and Saint John the Baptist. These chapels collectively enhance the cathedral鈥檚 spiritual and architectural richness, making it a significant landmark in Versailles.
In 1755, six bells were installed in the cathedral's towers, named after prominent figures of the time, including Queen Marie, Princess Josephine of Savoy, and four of King Louis XV鈥檚 children: Adelaide, Louise, Sophie, and Victoria. However, during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, these bells were removed and melted down, and the cathedral was repurposed as the Temple of Abundance. It wasn't until 1843 that the building was restored to its former glory and reinstated as a cathedral.
The Saint Louis Cathedral boasts 17 side chapels, each with unique dedications. On the left side of the transept, visitors can find the chapels dedicated to the Dead, Saint Julian, Saint Genevieve, and Saint Peter, along with those of Ecce Homo, Providence, Saint Fran莽ois, Saint Vincent, Saint Paul, Saint Joseph, and the Sacred Heart. Each chapel offers a glimpse into various aspects of religious devotion and historical significance.
On the right side, the Chapel of Baptism features its baptismal fonts, alongside the Chapel of the Presentation of the Saint Virgin and the Chapel of Saint Charles. Surrounding the quire beyond the transept are three additional chapels dedicated to the Good Minister, Saint Louis, and Saint John the Baptist. These chapels collectively enhance the cathedral鈥檚 spiritual and architectural richness, making it a significant landmark in Versailles.
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Cathedrale Saint-Louis (Saint Louis Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Cathedrale Saint-Louis (Saint Louis Cathedral)
Sight Location: Versailles, France (See walking tours in Versailles)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Versailles, France (See walking tours in Versailles)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Versailles, France
Create Your Own Walk in Versailles
Creating your own self-guided walk in Versailles is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Versailles Gardens Walking Tour
Spread across a vast (800-hectare) area, the Versailles Gardens are the quintessential example of regal grandeur and meticulous French landscape design. Most of its feature areas 鈥� known as 'groves' 鈥� were created by King Louis XIV鈥檚 chief landscape architect Andr茅 Le N么tre. Key among the garden's numerous attractions is the Orangerie Fountain, which sets the tone for its... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Versailles Introduction Walking Tour
Versailles, a wealthy suburb of Paris some 20 kilometers southwest of the capital, is steeped in grandeur and regal history. Known worldwide for its opulent palace 鈥� the residence of French royalty, this small town offers much more than just its royal gates. Versailles is a living museum of French architecture and aristocratic life and is historically known for numerous treaties signed there,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles