The Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis

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Monumental masterpiece of Gothic art, the basilical cathedral of Saint-Denis was conceived by Abbot Suger in the 12th century. Its construction campaign terminated in the 13th century, but the cathedral underwent numerous renovations over the centuries. As the major place of worship and repository of the French monarchy, it suffered the vicissitudes of history. A restoration campaign, directed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, restituted some of its past splendour. Necropolis of the kings of France, the basilica houses a collection of 12th- to 16th-century recumbent effigies and tombs, unique in Europe, as well as a series of 12th and 19th-century stained glass windows. The basilica of Saint-Denis functions as both parish church and episcopal see. It is open to visitors as a major cultural site. -- Publisher.