Eglise Saint-Pierre de Montmartre (Church of St Peter at Montmartre), Paris

Nestled beneath the grandiose Sacré-Coeur Basilica and basking in the ambiance of the Place du Tertre, lies the venerable St-Pierre's, one of the oldest churches in Paris, having been erected in 1147 atop the ruins of a 5th-century temple venerating the god Mars. This unassuming sanctuary, bedecked with resplendent sculpted metal doors, was once an integral part of a sprawling Benedictine abbey. Today, the sole vestige of that once imposing structure, besides the church, is a petite cemetery, now sealed off to the public, yet still visible through the ornate metal door situated to the left as one enters the courtyard.

Having undergone numerous renovations throughout the centuries, Saint-Pierre's presents an interesting amalgamation of diverse styles. The columns gracing the nave hark back to medieval times, while the 18th-century facade has undergone restorations in the 19th century. The resplendent stained-glass windows were added much later, in the 20th century. A portrait of the titular saint, painted by Maurice Utrillo in 1914, is proudly displayed in the Musée de l'Orangerie.

Why You Should Visit:
For those seeking respite from the teeming crowds swarming the nearby Sacré-Coeur Basilica, Saint-Pierre's is a veritable sanctuary of serenity. Whether one is devoutly religious or not, this alluring and gratis house of worship is well worth a visit, offering a tranquil haven for contemplation and repose.