The Basilica of Saint-Denis is located in Saint-Denis, France. It is a gothic style, roman catholic church. It was constructed in 884 on the grave of Saint-Denis, a bishop of Paris. From 639 AD until the 19th century, it has been the burial place of 43 kings, 32 queens and ten servants to the monarchy. The cathedral houses over 70 recumbent statues and, monumental tombs from the Renaissance.
The Gothic architecture of the cathedral and is a style that was used for cathedrals and churches until the 16th century. Some key features of the gothic style are flying buttresses. These give cathedrals the ability to have more windows by allowing the weight of the roof to be counterbalanced. Another feature of gothic style is stained glass. The Basilica of Saint-Denis is ornamented with beautiful stained-glass windows which depict different kings and religious figures.
I enjoyed seeing the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The stained-glass windows are breath-taking when the sunlight streams into the cathedral. It was also astonishing to see all of the Kings tombs throughout the cathedral. We learned that it was rare for people at the time to live older than 80 years of age. There were small tombs that we learned were for children. The tombs are ornamented very beautifully. There were some that were made to be more life-like and better represent those who died. The marble was beautiful and, the craftsmanship was spectacular.
Overall, I enjoyed touring the Basilica. France is full of so much history and, beauty and I love being surprised but all it has to offer.