Thursday, April 25, 2013

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 88





 Sacré Cœur, Paris, France


This unused Yvon postcard shows the basilica of Sacré Cœur in Paris, France.   As the picture beneath it from last year shows we approached it through the streets of Montmartre, came up from the side and did not climb all these stairs, only some of them.  Just the bell tower and part of one dome are visible at the top of the photo but it does show how steep the hillside is.  There is also a funicular rail line that climbs straight up the hill for those who do not wish to use all the steps or go up the steep hillside. 

The title on the reverse of the card is "Le Sacré Cœur de Montmartre et l'escalier monumental"  [the Sacred Heart of Montmartre and the grand staircase].  The card is numbered I.B. 553 and the publisher is identified as "Editions d'Art "YVON" 15, Rue Martel, Paris Fabrication française."  The postcard is one in the Paris -- En Flanant series. 

Posted earlier was a city panorama that included Sacré Cœur from a distance; however, this Yvon photo is so stunning it is getting a postcard Thursday of its very own.  The basilica is located on the highest point in the city and was designed by Paul Abadie.  Construction began in 1875 and was finished in 1914.   The official dedication occurred following the end of World War I in 1919.  The stone is travertine and exudes calcite which keeps the exterior white even with today’s pollution and the stresses of the weather.  Cameras are not allowed inside. 

Here are two links for more information including a short video presentation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLs5OIKeO-c
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacr%C3%A9-C%C5%93ur,_Paris

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