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Madeleine Church, Paris

Place de la Madeleine, Paris, Île-de-France

Description

The Madeleine is a catholic church designed as a temple to the glory of Napoleon's army and later named for Mary Magdalene (Jesus' companion). Construction took over 30 years before completion in 1842 as a church. The Madeleine is built in the Neo-Classical style and was inspired by the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, a Roman temple - there are 52 Corinthian columns. Inside there is one nave with 3 domes and the most famous sculpture is that of St Mary Madgelene being lifted by angels.

Access & Transport

The Madeleine a métro station is served by 3 lines (8, 12, 14) and there is a large bus stop / interchange next to the church.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend combining a visit to the church with a discovery of the immediate Madeleine neighbourhood before heading towards the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, or the Place de la Concorde.

Meta review

Reviews are mostly positive with visitors enjoying both the exterior architecture and the art inside - many have attended one of the regular classical concerts given there. Rather strangely, there are quite a few reviewers for whom the inside was "dreary" or "gloomy" but those did not write like they were very interested in religious and cultural buildings in the first place.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity to be environmentally neutral and, from a social perspective, marginally positive as it helps preserve the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

The Madeleine church is atypical from the outside and quite impressive inside. It also has a rather complex early history. It is not unmissable in the city but located so centrally that you are likely to be in the neighbourhood, in which case we would advise to take 30mins and enjoy a visit.

Key positive

Interesting architecture: Roman temple design in the Neo-Classical style

Nice neighbourhood to explore

Very centrally located and easy to get to

Key negative

Lighting could be improved

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions There is an entrance accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Monday09:30 - 19:00

Tuesday09:30 - 19:00

Wednesday09:30 - 19:00

Thursday09:30 - 19:00

Friday09:30 - 19:00

Saturday09:30 - 19:00

Sunday09:30 - 19:00

Pricing
Free

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