Church of the Madeleine

The Church of the Madeleine, in Paris

The Church of the Madeleine is an immense building in the shape of a Greek temple, on the square of the same name, in Paris. The Paris audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary with an astonishing neoclassical architecture, one of the most singular of the capital.

The Greek temple become a church

This immense Greek temple, installed on the Place de la Madeleine, is in reality a church, the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. Its neoclassical architecture surprises: entirely surrounded by a colonnade of high Corinthian columns and topped with a sculpted pediment, the building resembles to be mistaken a temple of Antiquity, without bell tower or cross visible from outside. Its construction, begun in the eighteenth century, was long and eventful: interrupted by the Revolution, the building nearly changed destination several times, and Napoleon I even wanted to make of it a temple to the glory of his Grande Armée, before it was finally consecrated as a church in the nineteenth century. Inside, the atmosphere is quite other: a nave richly decorated with marbles, gildings, sculptures and frescoes, bathed in a subdued light, conducive to contemplation. The church also hosts numerous concerts, its acoustics being renowned. Located in the heart of an elegant district, it is one of the most singular monuments of Paris. A singular sanctuary and a neoclassical masterpiece, the Church of the Madeleine is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the immense neoclassical building in the shape of a Greek temple, surrounded by a colonnade of high Corinthian columns and topped with a sculpted pediment, without bell tower or external cross; with an eventful history, for a time wanted by Napoleon as a temple to his Grande Armée, it was consecrated a church in the nineteenth century and shelters a nave richly decorated with marbles and gildings, conducive to contemplation. The Church of the Madeleine is a singular monument of Paris. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of the Madeleine lies on the Place de la Madeleine, in Paris, reachable on foot and by public transport. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It also hosts concerts. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why does the Church of the Madeleine resemble a Greek temple?

Because it was built in the neoclassical style, entirely surrounded by a colonnade of high Corinthian columns and topped with a sculpted pediment, without bell tower or external cross; with an eventful history, Napoleon even wanted for a time to make of it a temple to the glory of his Grande Armée, before it was consecrated a church in the nineteenth century.

Where is the Church of the Madeleine in Paris?

On the Place de la Madeleine, in Paris, in France.