Consecrated to the memory of a 7th century Bourges bishop who resisted the oppression of the Merovingian dynasty, Pariss Saint-Sulpice Church is perhaps best known as the hallowed institution which is featured most prominently in the global phenomenon that is the Da Vinci Code. Built as far back as 1646, the church was expanded in 1670 and completed in1745 to stand as one of the most architecturally stunning cathedrals to occupy the Left Bank. Having served as the venue of choice for many a sacred occasion, the church notably witnessed the marriage of author Victor Hugo and the baptism of Charles Baudelaire and Marquis de Sade.
Popularly known as the Cathedral of the Rive Gauche this monolithic religious institution is also one of the most expansive churches in the entire French capital. With a distinctly baroque style appearance the Saint-Sulpice also features Italian style open colonnades as well as a fountain by Visconti which depicts the four bishops of the Louis XIV period.
The majestic interiors of St-Sulpice is also awe inspiring in size, scale and style with the Delacroix frescoes located in Chapel of the Angels forming the main attraction. Other highlights include Servandoni's Chapel of the Madonna which features a Pigalle statuette of Virgin Mary. The churchs 5th chapel houses the tomb of Cur Languet de Gergy which was designed by roman trained Michel-Ange Slodtz.
The church also houses one of largest organs in the world with a record 6,588 pipes. Having been played by world class musicians the likes of Charles-Mari Widor and Marcel Dupr, the instrument was an Aristide Cavaille-Coll construction and is located at the western corner of the churchs nave.
The churchs gnomon or meridian line are also points of interest visited by fans of Dan Browns successful novel while the obelisk located next to the monument of St. Peter with its inscription is also worth noting. Spread out over 115m in length with 57 meter width and 33 meter high ceiling, St. Sulpice also curiously mirrors the architectural footprint of Notre Dame Cathedral with literally inches differentiating the floor maps of the two structures.
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