La Madeleine Church

Visit description

La Madeleine is an unusual monument that looks more like a Greek temple than a Catholic church. Its turbulent history—shifting from a church project to a “Temple of Glory” for Napoleon’s army—explains its colossal architecture, with neither bell tower nor visible cross in the original plans.

Surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns, it shelters a sumptuous interior inspired by Roman baths, rich in marbles, gilding, and sculpture. It bears witness to imperial ambitions and the 19th-century Catholic revival, and houses major works such as the vast fresco of the History of Christianity.

Visit plan

Step 1: The pediment

Admire the Last Judgement high relief on the southern pediment, marking the Catholic reappropriation of the “temple”.

Step 2: The peristyle

Walk beneath the colonnaded gallery and observe the statues of saints in the niches, including the beheaded Saint Luke.

Step 3: The bronze doors

Contemplate the monumental doors illustrating the Ten Commandments, a masterpiece of Romantic sculpture.

Step 4: The nave

Enter to discover the vast, dim space, lit by three domes and reminiscent of Roman basilicas.

Step 5: The grand organ

Turn around to see the Cavaillé-Coll organ, played by Saint-Saëns and Fauré.

Step 6: The choir fresco

Look up to the semi-dome to see the immense fresco of the History of Christianity, which notably includes Napoleon.

Step 7: The neo-Byzantine mosaic

Observe the shimmering mosaic frieze along the lower register, depicting the Risen Christ.

Step 8: The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene

End with the monumental sculptural group of the high altar showing the saint’s mystical elevation.