Basilica of Saint-Denis
The burial place of St. Denis and Companions.
St. Denis and Companions → Plan a trip hereThe Story
The Basilica of Saint-Denis stands just north of Paris over the tomb of St. Denis, the first bishop of Paris, who according to the traditional account was martyred around the year 250 together with his companions Rusticus and Eleutherius during a Roman persecution. Tradition holds that Denis was beheaded on the hill of Montmartre and — in the famous legend — carried his own head to the place where he wished to be buried, the site of the present basilica. However the details are told, the historical core is firm: an early bishop-martyr evangelized Roman Paris, and Christians venerated his tomb from antiquity, building ever-greater churches above it. A royal abbey grew around the shrine, and in the twelfth century Abbot Suger rebuilt its church in a revolutionary style of light, pointed arches, and stained glass — making Saint-Denis widely regarded as the birthplace of Gothic architecture. For more than a millennium the basilica also served as the necropolis of the kings of France, and dozens of royal tombs and effigies remain, restored after the upheavals of the French Revolution. The relics of St. Denis and his companions are venerated in the basilica, which since 1966 has been the cathedral of the Diocese of Saint-Denis. Pilgrims and visitors come to pray at the martyrs' shrine, marvel at the royal tombs, and honor the saint whose feast is kept on October 9.
Church Recognition
St. Denis and his companions are venerated as martyrs on the General Roman Calendar (October 9), and the basilica built over his tomb is today the cathedral of the Diocese of Saint-Denis.
Catholic Teaching
The shrine of St. Denis witnesses to martyrdom as the supreme testimony to the truth of the faith (CCC 2473–2474) and to the early evangelization of Gaul, while the veneration of the martyrs' relics expresses the communion of saints (CCC 946–962, 1674).
Plan Your Visit
Practical
Additional Information
Visitors come to the basilica-cathedral to venerate the relics of St. Denis and his companions, to see the royal necropolis of France with its medieval tombs and effigies, and to admire Abbot Suger's pioneering Gothic architecture. The monument is open to visitors year-round, and the feast of St. Denis is celebrated on October 9.
Go Deeper
The official visitor site of the Basilica of Saint-Denis (https://www.saint-denis-basilique.fr), managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux, covers the shrine and royal tombs. See also the Catechism on martyrdom (CCC 2473–2474) and the communion of saints (CCC 946–962).
Location
Visit the official website ↗ See it on the interactive map →Pilgrim Photos
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In the Area
Other sacred sites within 40 miles.