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The Church of the Madeleine in Paris

Just a few minutes' walk from the Sydney Opéra Hotel***, the Madeleine Church is one of Paris's most unique monuments. Located between the Place de la Concorde and the Opéra Garnier, it overlooks the Faubourg Saint-Honoré and its majestic silhouette stands proudly in the heart of the 8th arrondissement.

Open daily from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm, the Madeleine Church is well worth a visit during your stay in the capital.


An Ancient Temple in the Heart of Paris


Begun in 1764 and only completed in 1842, the Madeleine Church is captivating for its unusual appearance.

With its imposing Corinthian columns, it takes the form of a true Greek temple, without a bell tower or cross, which sets it apart from all other Parisian churches.

This architectural choice stems in part from Napoleon's project to transform the building into a pantheon dedicated to his armies.

Inside, you can admire the vast, single nave, devoid of side chapels, which creates a solemn atmosphere, enhanced by a very characteristic semi-darkness.

At the far end, discover the famous mosaic by Charles-Joseph Lameire, remarkable for its finesse and luminosity.


The turbulent history of the Church of the Madeleine


The Madeleine underwent numerous projects and reorientations before becoming the church you are about to visit.

Initially a royal parish church, it was later envisioned as a memorial temple in homage to the heroes and victims of the Revolution, the Empire, and the Restoration.

Its aesthetic, often described as "ambiguous," is similar to other Parisian neoclassical monuments such as the Panthéon, the National Assembly, and the Bourse (Stock Exchange).

Despite this turbulent history, the church captivates with the beauty of its marble, the clarity of its polychromy, and the coherence of its architecture.

The large doors, crafted using a particularly sophisticated casting technique, even surpass those of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.


Why visit the Madeleine Church during your stay in Paris?


Because it combines architectural power, a soothing atmosphere, and an exceptional location!

The Madeleine Church is one of the most pleasant places to discover near your hotel in central Paris.

Its forecourt opens up the vista between the Place de la Concorde and the Opéra Garnier, and offers a magnificent starting point for a stroll through the elegant neighborhoods of the 8th arrondissement.

Uniform, majestic, and surprisingly intimate, this unique church will appeal to art and history enthusiasts as well as travelers seeking a peaceful haven in the heart of the capital.
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