Paris: why is Sacré-Coeur lit up red this Wednesday evening?

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on November 22th, 2023 at 08:10 p.m.
This Wednesday, November 22, 2023, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is not white, but red! This is also the case for two other monuments around the world, but do you know why?

Normally, the Basilica del Sacro Cuore is illuminated in white after dark, but this Wednesday evening, it's red! And it's not the only monument in the world to be affected, since the Colosseum and the statue of Christ are also dressed in a carmine color, for a very specific reason. The organization "Aide à l'Église en détresse" ( Aid to the Church in Need) has set up this initiative to draw attention "to the persecution of Christians around the world".

Why this color? In reference to "bloodshed and the oppressed Christian faith". While this event has been around since 2015, it hadn't taken place in recent years due to the energy crisis and Covid, so Sacré-Coeur had its bells rung instead. In the capital, the basilica on the Montmartre hilltop will be bathed in this red color until midnight, with a prayer vigil at 9pm.

The Catholic foundation's aim is to "make visible the invisible, silent violence suffered by so many Christians around the world" in these troubled times.

Montmartre - Paris - sacré coeurMontmartre - Paris - sacré coeurMontmartre - Paris - sacré coeurMontmartre - Paris - sacré coeur Sacré-Coeur de Paris, the must-see basilica at the top of Montmartre Hill
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris's must-see monuments. But how much do you know about its history and treasures? We'll take you on a tour of this edifice perched atop the Butte Montmartre, and take a look at what's happening there at the moment! [Read more]


Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On November 22th, 2023

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    Location

    35, rue Du Chevalier-De-La-Barre
    75018 Paris 18

    Access
    Metro Jules Joffrin (Line 12) Pigalle (Lines 12 and 2) Anvers (Line 2)

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