La Madeleine

Paris, France

Curiously resembling the Parthenon in Greece, the Eglise de la Madeleine (named after Mary Magdalene) was originally slated to be a government hall, a library, and a National Bank. It was originally built in the 18th century to the site of ancient Jewish synagogue. The Madeleine Church was designed in its present form as a temple to the glory of Napoleon's army in 1806.

The latter eventually got his way, and in 1842 the odd place of worship was consecrated. The facade comprises 52 Corinthian columns supported by a decorative fresco. Inside, a remarkable statue of Joan of Arc is one highlight, as are paintings depicting the marriage of the Virgin and the baptism of the Christ child.

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Founded: 18th century
Category: Religious sites in France

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ash (5 months ago)
Magnificent church with huge pillars and very spacious interior. The art and sculptures inside are just breathtaking. You can also get a good view of the Concord Place and Bonaparte tomb. A must-see church to visit and pray while in Paris!
Sujay Sreekumar (5 months ago)
The Madeline church is a huge church right in middle of Paris. Entry is free, but we visited during peak hours on weekend, the queue to enter the church too long. Therefore we skipped going inside. Still worth a visit for the outsides. If you have time you can visit inside as well.
George Benaroya (6 months ago)
Exceptionally beautiful. Free entrance. Also, La Madeleine in Paris is a unique and exceptional church that stands out for its striking neoclassical architecture. Unlike typical churches, it resembles an ancient Greek temple, with 52 Corinthian columns standing 65 feet (20 meters) tall surrounding the entire exterior[1][4]. Originally intended by Napoleon to be a monument honoring his army, it was ultimately completed as a church in 1842[4][7]. The interior features a single nave with three domes that are not visible from the outside, creating a distinctive and awe-inspiring space[1][4].
Branko Dimitrijević (7 months ago)
La Madeleine is a grand Catholic church in neoclassical style, located near Place de la Concorde. It is famous for its impressive facade, which resembles a Roman temple, as well as its richly decorated interior. The interior of the church is breathtaking, with a beautiful altar and stunning frescoes on the ceiling. This church is also a popular venue for classical music concerts, further enhancing its cultural significance in Paris. A visit to La Madeleine offers a unique experience, whether you're an art, architecture, or music enthusias! :-)
Janice McDonald (7 months ago)
This church is simply stunning. The alter is the most beautiful thing i have seen and the other statues were exquisite. I was unaware there is a reluctant here. We attended a concert and the acoustics were amazing. Such an uunderrated church!
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