Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

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Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Cellist on the steps of
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

On the highest point of Montmartre is Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, which is built in an oriental, neo-Byzantine style.  After riding the funiculaire (a special elevator that moves up at a 45 degree angle) one can see the Byzantin-Romanesque church that can be seen from all over the city.  Built from 1878 (after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War) to 1919, the church's interior isn't as striking as its exterior.  The steps in front of the church come alive around dusk, when street musicians entertain the crowd that gathers to watch the city's lights come on.