Basilica of Saint-Denis
Saint Denis Basilica, Saint Denis, France (near Paris).
Saint Denis is the patron saint of France and first bishop of Paris. Dagobert I, king of the Franks who reigned from 628 to 637, founded the Abbey of Saint Denis.
An architectural landmark considered to be the first major structure built in the Gothic style. (For a detailed description of the unique architectural design of this building see the book titled Pillars of the Earth by British author, Ken Follett.)
The Abbey is where the kings of France were buried for centuries, and is often referred to as the "royal necropolis of France." The Abbey Church contains effigies of French royalty, and some fine examples of cadaver tomb. The tombs (some with notable sculptures) of many French kings and queens (but their remains are no longer there, because the tombs were all emptied during the French Revolution). A few of the members of France’s royal families buried in the Saint Denis Basilica are:
- Louis XVI of France and his wife Marie Antoinette
- Henry II of France and his wife Catherine de Medici
- Francis I of France
- King Clovis I -- (465-511)
For a more detailed list of other members of the French Royal families buried in Saint Denis Basilica see:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/famousSearch.cgi?mode=cemetery&FScemeteryid=639001
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