Basilique Saint-Denis

We couldn't go to Saint-Denis and not pay our respects at the Cathedral there, Suger's grand-daddy of all the Gothics. It was Pentecost, or Whitsunday, something else about which we didn't give a whit, so while the mass proceeded, we whiled away our time at a cafe in a big square outside the church. Finally, the bells peeled, everybody left...many of them wearing white, we noticed...and we entered the great church. Only the fore and aft parts are from Abbot Suger's time, 12th century, the nave from a whole century later. But whatever the origin, it's hard not to be overwhelmed any time you enter one of these great ancient buildings, especially one of so much historical significance, both architectural and national. Plus there was a surprise at the end. We'd visited before, most thoroughly in 2021 (basilica here; necropolis here), but also in 2014.

Saint-Denis from near the Hotel de Ville; originally
there were two towers, but the north tower was removed
centuries ago because of instability

Note the 21st century buttressing of the west end...more trouble?

But business continues as usual

Nave view

Stained light on the organ

Nave elevation

Where it all began, the chancel at Saint-Denis

South rose window

North; or possibly south

Back outside on the west end, archaeology going
on behind the barricade

In recent years there has been talk among authorities about re-erecting
Saint-Denis' north tower...the archaeology and buttresses are preparatory
to doing just that! Wow!