The hill of Montmartre, as passed down through historians, is the place where the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Denis, and two of his companions, were put to death by the Roman Emperor. According to legend, he walked up the hill, carrying his head, to the location of the current Basilique St-Denis, which bears his name.

The hill of martyrs is today known as Montmartre, and certainly the church which dominates the landscape is that of Sacre-Coeur. But St-Pierre de Montmartre is one of the oldest churches in Paris, built in the 12th century and worthy of a visit. In 1147 it was consecrated by Pope Eugenius III, who was celebrating Easter in Paris. The church’s pillars attest to its antiquity, and was the focal point of a powerful Benedictine Abbey. During the Reign of Terror at the height of the French Revolution, the presiding Abbess, Madame de Montmorency was carted off to the guillotine along with the other members of the convent. This act of brutality was typical of the revolutionary mission: to destroy the monarchy and all vestiges of it, including clergy. Thus the abbey and its occupants met their fate.

ST-PIERRE DE MONTMARTRE
Off the Place du Tertre
18th Arrondisement
Metro: Anvers