Stone that bleaches in the rain
It's built of travertine from Château-Landon, which releases calcite when it gets wet. Every rain shower whitens it a little, which is why Sacré-Cœur stays white while the rest of Paris turns grey.
Urban Tales › Paris › Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur: the history, and why it stays white
The basilica on top of Montmartre was built after France's defeat in 1870 and took over 40 years to finish. Its stone washes itself white in the rain. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Begun1875
Consecrated1919
Dome83 m high
Bell≈ 19 tonnes
Hear the Sacré-Cœur story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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One of the biggest bells in France
The Savoyarde, cast in 1895, weighs about 19 tonnes. It was pulled up the hill to Montmartre by 28 horses, and it's still one of the heaviest bells in France.
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Prayers that never stop
Since 1885, someone has been praying in the basilica day and night without a break, in turns, which makes it one of the longest continuous prayers in the world.
TipSkip the main stairs and walk around to the back, on Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, for a quieter view of the dome and the bell tower. With Urban Tales running, the basilica's story plays as you reach the top of the hill.
Nearby landmarks
Sacré-Cœur: common questions
Why is Sacré-Cœur so white?
Its travertine stone releases calcite when it rains, which keeps bleaching the surface.
When was Sacré-Cœur built?
Construction began in 1875; it was finished in 1914 and consecrated in 1919, after the First World War.
Is Sacré-Cœur free to visit?
Yes, the basilica is free; the dome climb has a ticket.