Sainte Clotilde Basilica (Reims, France)

Last time I took you to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, to Fiji.

On this Ascension long weekend, it seemed appropriate to show you another jewel of Christian architecture, and what is an unrecognised basilica and yet highly prestigious in many ways.

You know how much I love to share with you my interest in architecture, art, and history ...

The Basilica of Sainte Clotilde of Reims, bears the name of Queen Clotilde, Queen of the Franks and wife of King Clovis, whom she converted to Christianity.

Clovis, remember that is the name of the champagne at my Solo Wedding in Santorini (reread the article).
 
This magnificent basilica, in Greek cross shape, surmounted by a dome, was built between 1896 and 1905, by Alphonse Gosset, architect from Reims, with a national and even international reputation since he participated in competitions abroad (like one for New York).

Neo-Byzantine in style, he was inspired in particular by the model of Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul (Turkey) that I had the chance to visit.

This very fashionable style in the 19th century, also reached its peak with the construction of the incredible Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris.

Much more modest in size than St Remi Basilica or Reims Cathedral, and of course Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, it’s no less majestic from floor to ceiling.

Whether it’s the tiling with fleur-de-lys and doves, or the stained-glass windows depicting Joan of Arc and the baptism of Clovis.

Or the incredible ceiling under the dome which symbolises the celestial vault.
You will not remain indifferent ...

What I love most about this basilica is its baptistery.

Isolated next to the entrance, circular in shape and carefully decorated, it was used for baptism.

Moreover, the Basilica of St. Clotilde was originally erected to celebrate the 1,400 years of the baptism of Clovis, a baptism which took place at the Basilica of St Remi, remember my article.

But what makes all the richness of this basilica are the relics kept in its crypt!
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It represents 1,600 Saints of France with 403 reliquaries and 2,100 relics.

Photos weren't allowed, but the video at the end of the article gives you a guided tour (but it's in French, anyway images speak for themselves).
 
 
My previous articles on Reims and its region:

• Reims Cathedral
• St Remi Basilica
• Rainy day at Epernay
• Champagne

 
Here again my video with the Cathedral of Reims in the background!

Read also:

• Technical Feat (London)
• Kensington Palace (London)
• Greenwich Meridian (London)
• Rockefeller Center (New York)
• Pantheon Paris
• Versailles
• The Louvre (Paris)
• Garnier Palace (Paris)
• Eiffel Tower (Paris)
• Almudena Cathedral (Madrid)

 
 
Have a luminous week everyone!
 
Love & Joy,
L.