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- What looks like the back of any church represents a revolution in architecture
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The Basilica of Saint-Denis (finished in 1144) is the first edifice in which pointed arches were built around a curve without collapsing. That exploit allowed buildings to be both high and wide, large enough to harbor all a town's needs, sacred or profane. "Gothic" architecture that spread through Europe, uniting the West as does the Latin language, the Roman Empire and Christianity.
As well, the church is the mausoleum for France's kings.
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Yet the town of Saint-Denis, heart of the "Red Belt", has been a Communist bastion since the 1920's. The current environment dates from the 1960's, when France underwent profound industrialization.
The immigrant population of Saint-Denis is important.
So a visit reveals basic aspects of France. |
- Kings, tombs and commerce
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- A month-long annual fair
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•Saint-Denis is 40 minutes by métro from central Paris (a day's march). •By bus or car, we can continue to Ecouen for the Renaissance Museum. |
- We bring these and other pictures to illustrate the visit.
Credits: tomb and modern market / Harald Wolff ; medieval market / Basilica brochure ; other photos / Claude Abron