On Monday, I went to visit the Basilica of St. Denis in the north of Paris. Somewhere I've been meaning to go for years. It's not in the most salubrious parts of town, but is well worth the visit.
It's a large medieval abbey church and it is here that all but three of the Kings of France are buried, as well as a few other monarchs. There's a rather splendid monument to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
For those of you who have read 'Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, this basilica features prominently. Jack the stonemason leaves England and makes his way to Paris, St Denis, to learn about the building of a cathedral (in particular ribbed vaulting and point arches) and he goes there while Abbot Suger is constructing the Basilica.
Wow and wonderful on all counts! Such a lovely statue and beautiful in B&W. I really loved the information you shared, making that part of Pillars of the Earth come to life in that aspect! Thank you for sharing all the historical information!
