La Madeleine

L'église de la Madeleine is found in the Place de la Madeleine, just behind the Place de la Concorde. The neo-classical church took 85 years to build due to the wartime instability during that era. It’s located in the 8th arrondissement.

Napoleon imagined the place as a sort of grand temple in homage to his all-conquering Grande Armée at the beginning of the 19th century. Little by little, it became the Saint-Lazare train station and La Madeleine became a church. You can get there on the Metro line 14, getting off at the Madeleine stop.

Dedicated to Mary Magdalene, this landmark church, which I knew about from an Art History course, surprised me in the grandeur of its Roman temple style figures. Construction began in 1764, was halted because of the French Revolution, and resumed in 1806. There is a striking contrast between the classical Roman Baroque exterior and the inside. The details of its columns, capitals, and sculptures at the top and front are classic. The huge inscription reads: DOMSVB.INVOC.S.MAGDALENAE.

This creates an overwhelming impression. Discover the silence, emotion and tears that combine to make feelings and emotions that cannot be conveyed in words. You have to be there, see it, feel it, breathe the atmosphere of sanctity. Admire the altar with wide eyes, being surprised by the impact of the image of La Magdalena in white marble, surrounded and guarded by angels, so beautiful and magnificent in its simplicity and humility.

The church of La Madeleine is located in Place de La Madeleine at the end of Rue Royale and its neo-classical design reminiscent of a Greek temple immediately strikes your attention. The exterior is formed by 52 classical columns which lend it an imposing look. The equally imposing main façade represents the final judgment.

The church was built at the orders of Napoleon I in 1842. It’s quite a spectacular sight, especially from the outside. The gloomy interior is also a differentiating point from traditional temples.