Église Saint-Sulpice

Overview

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Sulpice is the second-largest church in Paris. Despite its enormous scale, it is best known for its uniquely mismatched towers, its crucial role in The Da Vinci Code, and its breathtaking art.

Highlights

• The Delacroix Frescoes: Stop immediately in the first chapel on the right to see three utterly spectacular, monumental, vibrant murals painted by Romantic master Eugène Delacroix.
• The Gnomon: The brass line running across the floor and up the obelisk, an incredibly precise 18th-century astronomical instrument designed to calculate the exact date of Easter.
• The Grand Organ: One of the absolute finest, most powerful organs in the world, featuring over 7,000 pipes.

History

Construction on this massive edifice began in 1646 but was plagued by financial disaster and delays, taking over a century to complete. The French Revolution hit just as it was finishing; rather than destroying it, the revolutionaries turned it into a 'Temple of Victory,' which is why the two front towers completely mismatch—the architect died before the right tower could be finished.

Visitor Tips

• The Organ: If possible, visit on a Sunday morning. The free organ recitals before and after mass are absolutely thunderous and world-renowned.
• The Da Vinci Code: The brass meridian line (the Gnomon) is heavily featured in Dan Brown's novel, but the church explicitly denies any connection to the "Priory of Sion."
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.