Saint-Denis Cathedral

You're now standing before Saint-Denis Cathedral, elegant, simple, and shining bright. This beautiful cathedral was built between 1829 and 1832 as the Church of the Holy Saviour. It only became a cathedral when the bishopric of Bourbon was established, making it the only cathedral on the island. Look up at that terracotta pediment above the entrance: it depicts the martyrdom of Saint Denis, who was Paris's very first bishop. Saint Denis is the most famous of what’s known as "cephalophore saints" (literally "head-carrying saints"). These are martyred saints who were beheaded but, according to legend, miraculously rose after their execution, picked up their own heads, and walked to their chosen burial place. You'll often see them depicted in art carrying their heads in their arms, very much alive despite the dramatic circumstances! But let's return to our cathedral. Once it gained cathedral status, the building received several elegant upgrades, such as the lovely metal bell tower you see, and inside, an immense carved pulpit that's definitely worth seeing. The fountain out front was added in 1854, and its four statues represent the pillars of island life: the navy, commerce, industry, and agriculture. After careful restoration in the 1990s, it's been beautifully lit up every evening since 2010. A fitting tribute for one of Saint-Denis’s most cherished heritage treasures, officially listed as a historical monument since 1975.