Basilica of Saint-Remi

The Basilica of Saint-Remi is a medieval abbey church in Reims. It was founded in the 11th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 as a part of Cathedral of Notre-Dame, former Abbey of Saint-Remi and Palace of Tau.

The Basilica of Saint-Remi dates from the 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th centuries. The eleventh-century nave and transepts, in the Romanesque style, are the oldest; the façade of the south transept is the most recent. Most of the construction of the church finished in the 11th century, with additions made later. The nave and transepts, Gothic in style, date mainly from the earliest, the façade of the south transept from the latest of those periods, the choir and apse chapels from the 12th and 13th centuries.

The 17th and 19th centuries saw further additions. The building suffered greatly in World War I; the meticulous restoration work of architect Henri Deneux (1874–1969) rebuilt it from its ruins over the following 40 years. As of 2009 it remains the seat of an active Catholic parish holding regular worship services and welcoming pilgrims. It has been classified as an historical monument since 1841 and is one of the pinnacles of the history of art and of the history of France.

Several royal and archepiscopal figures lie buried in the basilica, but in unidentified graves. They include Carloman King of the Franks (751-771) and other royal family members of Western Francia from the 8th-10th centuries.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Rue Saint-Julien, Reims, France

Details

Founded: 1049
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)