4.1.2. THE PATH THAT LINKED KINGS WITH THEIR ANCESTORS

THE SAINT-DENIS BASILICA* HARBORS THE MONARCHS' TOMBS 

*Basilica: from "king" in Greek. A basilica is a church of special significance. 

Basilica web site

By starting at the Saint-Denis gate the route connected the tombs with Notre-Dame Cathedral and so originally with the palace, which was in its shadow.* 

*Until the king fled the city's first important insurrection (in 1358) and settled in the fortress of the Louvre.

            The Funerary Cortege of Marie-Thérèse in 1684 by Adam-François van der Meulen / zoom

 

     Claude Abron

     Claude Abron

Ending at Notre-Dame

and in practice at the palace, 

underscored the sacredness of monarchy. 

*    *    *

Next,

4.1.3.

Importance of the Saint-Denis Basilica