Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont (Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont), Paris

The Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church houses the revered shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of the French capital. Additionally, it serves as the final resting place for notable historical figures such as French physicist and inventor, Blaise Pascal, and playwright Jean Racine. Deeply intertwined with Paris's religious and cultural history, this church also contains the cemetery where Jean-Paul Marat, a key figure during the French Revolution, is buried.

Considered the birthplace of Paris, the site was originally inhabited by the Parisii tribe in the Gallo-Roman era. By the 6th century, the area saw significant development under King Clovis of the Franks, who built a basilica that became the burial site for him, his wife Clotilde, and several Merovingian kings. The neighboring Abbey of Saint Genevieve was established in 502, eventually necessitating the construction of an autonomous church, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, in 1222. This church, exemplifying flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles, was completed in 1626 after several centuries of construction. It has a three-level structure, resembling a wedding cake, with a Gothic pinnacle and a tall bell tower. The entrance is reminiscent of a Greek temple with columns and decorations depicting Saint Stephen's martyrdom.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont remained a prestigious site, enduring damage during the French Revolution but later restored under Napoleon III. The reconstructed church features a Renaissance-style west front, constructed in 1610 with a detailed sculptural program on its three levels, culminating in a triangular classical fronton showcasing a bas-relief of Christ’s Resurrection. A notable interior element is its rood screen – the ornate partition between the chancel and nave, a rare feature in Paris that combines Gothic artistry with the French Renaissance finely carved stone and spiral staircase. The railing displays stone lace carved in limestone.

The church's interior is remarkable for its vast dimensions, Flamboyant Gothic elements, and the abundance of light from its large windows. The nave is distinguished by its dual-level grand arcades leading to the high collateral aisles. The pulpit, crafted in 1651, features dynamic sculptures, including one of Samson.

Significant also is the Chapel of Communion, which once housed revolutionary figures' remains and protected valuable 17th-century stained glass windows during World War I. These windows remain a focal point, depicting biblical and historical scenes, accessible for intimate viewing at eye level.