
hilltop penance
doors ringing bells, open hearts with
thunderous hooves
****
At the third highest point in Paris, France, (after the Eiffel Tower and Tour Montparnasse) rests Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur).
Built between 1875 and 1914 on the summit of Paris’ Montmartre, this Byzantine-Romanesque Basilica, dedicated to the city’s “penance” for its unfortunate involvement in prior wars and conflicts, was consecrated in 1919 (after World War I).
The main entrance bronze doors are 3.7 m (12 ft) tall and depict intricate reliefs of events in the life of Christ. Behind these bronze doors are a set of wood doors (featured below)

Trivia: 10 million people visit Basilica Sacre Coeur each year. One of the spectacles they come to see is the largest wall mosaic in France (images below).


The 475 square meter (5,112 square feet) mosaic depicts the risen Christ with a glowing gold heart. At the base of the mosaic in Latin, the inscription reads: “To the Sacred Heart of Jesus, France fervent, penitent and grateful.”
The second famous attraction at Basilica Sacre Coeur is the largest church bell in France named La Savoyarde. La Savoyarde weighs in at a whopping 25,000 kilograms and was made from 16,500 kilograms of bronze. The clapper inside the bell weighs another 850 kilograms.
Because there had been no transports powerful enough to deliver the massive bell upon its completion on October 16, 1895, the bell was delivered by a team of 28 horses.
Sacre Coeur Basilica, Paris – Wider Angles Below:


For more doors visit #ThursdayDoors hosted by Dan Antion, No Facilities

This is amazing
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So impressive indeed. Thank you my friend. Happy Thursday!!
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My pleasure dear friend
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Bouquets!!!
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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This is truly amazing
I’m trying to imagine the loud sharp hollow sound of 112 hooves trotting along a pebble road to deliver the bell.
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Thank you for the beautiful imagery in your comment. I am now trying to imagine the sound, too. And *note too… the last leg of the horses’ journey was Uphill! Amazing indeed.
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Oh wow, that would be a trot uphill; the best horses must’ve been reigned to carry the bell to the place of penance.
Thank you Poet.
You are most welcome.
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Yes, indeed truly remarkable horses!
My pleasure.
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that is one gorgeous church with love hooves knocking at the door Suzette! So well penned and the church is amazing! 💞
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I like your wonderful reflection, Cindy…”love hooves knocking at the door!” That is an awesome way to express it. Thank you my friend!
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So glad to hear that Suzette! You can use it in your next haiku 😂 hugs and love .. you’re most welcome!! 💗
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Thank you Cindy. Peace.
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Great post My Friend.
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Thank you Goff. Thank you for your kind comments. Always appreciated. Happy Thursday bells.
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wow, Suzette – your haiku is not only beautiful but it also made me more curious to examine the photo carefully! ❤
~David
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So glad you enjoyed the share. Thank you, David! Shalom!!
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Beautiful haiku, amazing door and awesome images! A lovely post, Suzette!
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Thank you Kaushal. So pleased you enjoyed the sharing. Happy Thursday!!
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Always my pleasure, Suzette! Thank you!
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Your haiku compelled me to read on, Suzette. What a wonderful introduction to an interesting (and amazing) post. The Basilica is magnificent!
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So pleased that the haiku added interest to this cathedral and its doors. Thank you, Dan. My pleasure.
Thank you for hosting ThursdayDoors. Much appreciated.
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Gorgeous door and amazing haiku, Suzette. So beautiful .💕
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Thank you most kindly Grace. Happy Thursday. Blessings.
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Truly my pleasure, Suzette. Thank you. Happy Thursday, my friend.💕🙏💕
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Thank you!
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💕🙏💕
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That mosaic must be awe-inspiring to see in person.
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I would love to see it in person.
Happy Thursday Liz. Blessings.
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Happy Thursday to you as well, Suzette. 🙂
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Thank you, Liz.
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You’re welcome, Suzette.
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I like particularly that second set of doors–it has a wonderful shape to it, like an arbor. (K)
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Yes, so true. A unique design.Thank you. Happy Thursday
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Now that’s a great door! And what a gorgeous building around it. Your haiku fits in with it all so perfectly.
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It is a fabulous door indeed. Thank you Maggie. Have a wonderful day!!
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Thanks for reminding me that to need to return to Paris!
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I need!
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Yes, understood, I would love to see this cathedral in person.
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Wow! Though the photos are gorgeous, I would love to see this Basilica in person.
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I was thinking the same thing. I suspect it is beyond spectacular!!
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This is really nice😊
Pat
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So beautiful 💙
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Thank you! Happy Thursday!
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I never knew just how modern it is. Great write up Suzette
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Yes, as cathedrals go, this one is pretty modern. Thank you Brenda. Blessings.
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I have been to the Sacre Coeur and immediately, I was captivated by the architecture, the reverence and peacefulness of the Basilica. The view is breathtaking.
Thank you for your post. It brought back great memories of a fantastic trip to Francre.
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Oh, how awesome that you visited!. I am delighted to hear that the post brought good memories to mind. Thank you for your lovely comment, Tasha.
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The haiku, door, the mosaics, and the little fact on horse power☺️ Great post!!
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Glad you enjoyed the details and trivia. Thank you!!
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beautiful 😍😍
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Thank you Jim.
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It’s even more impressive inside than out, which is difficult to believe. Nicely paired haiku, Suzette.
janet
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I agree it is a superb building inside and out. Thank you!
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Delightful doors. ✔️
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Awesome! Thanks
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Beautiful photography.
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I can’t take credit for the images. I did give credit to the photographers for their beautiful photos!!
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Years ago l was in my twenties on a weekend trip to Paris for a break from work and l was mugged on the stairs of Sacre Coeur . At the bottom of the stairs used to be many craft stores, or people selling their wares on rugs on the pavement. I remember having the thief trying to take my wallet and three rug sellers running up the stairs to see him off, but as he went he pushed me towards them and we all fell and rolled down the stairs [thundering hooves of our own] … funny where memories take us.
Nicely done, wonderful haiku
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It is interesting where memories take us. I am glad at least that the sellers came to your aid. What a harrowing experience!!
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Yes, aside from that Paris was a regular haunt of mine and l loved walking through the streets at night 🙂
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Now I want to do a proper tour of France. Awesome!
Pat
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Awesome! That would br fantastic!
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Very grand and amazing doors!
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Thank you Brenda! Happy Sunday!
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Thank you Suzette! This post always fills up my appetite for history and architecture. Your Haiku adds its own voice to the narrative.
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Thank you! I appreciate you noting the “voice” the haiku hopes to add.
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Wow
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Thank you!
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Ok but please follow me and introduce me to others
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Thanks for the education, Suzette!
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A pleasure, Susi. Thank you!
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You’re welcome!
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