Eglise Saint-Sulpice (Church of St Sulpice), Paris

Saint-Sulpice, the second largest church in Paris, is only slightly smaller than Notre-Dame. Its construction began in 1646 and lasted 100 years until full completion. Today, its grand architecture is awe-inspiring, and the location is splendid, with a beautiful square and a fountain outside, as well as the charming winding lanes of St-Germain-des-Prés.

During the French Revolution, the church was badly damaged and converted into a "Temple of Victory." However, in the 19th century, it was fully restored and redecorated into a beautiful piece of architecture. During the day, natural light shines through the large arched windows, highlighting the elegant columns that line the hall. Two massive shells, resting on rock-like bases, flank the front door. Outside, in the church square, a fountain featuring sculptures of four bishops from the Louis XIV era adds to the grandeur.

The golden line, implanted in grey granite, which runs across the floor and bears graduated markings like a ruler, is known as a gnomon – a pagan astronomical device originally used as a sundial. The line was laid in 1727 by a clockmaker and astronomer in a bid to fix the date of Easter. Tourists, scientists, historians and pagans from around the world come just to see this now famous device.

Notably, in the movie "The Da Vinci Code", this is the church where the dreadful scary man came looking for The Grail and killed the pour wee custodian nun. It is also the church where Victor Hugo got married.

The Saint-Sulpice also boasts one of the world's finest pipe organs, featuring 6,500 pipes, 102 stops, and five layered keyboards. Even those without a particular interest in organ music will be impressed by the sheer size of this massive instrument, which reaches over 20 meters in height. If you appreciate organ music, be sure to attend one of the free weekly organ concerts held at the church on Sundays.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am-7:30pm
Free guided tours available (see church website)