- The Enigmatic Beauty of St. Peter’s Square in Montmartre
- Historical Roots and Artistic Flourishes of St. Peter’s Square
- Shared shuttle transfer to the Square Saint-Pierre in Paris
The Enigmatic Beauty of St. Peter’s Square in Montmartre
St. Peter’s Square, now known as Square Louise Michel, is a picturesque garden nestled in the Montmartre district, specifically within La Chapelle in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This garden spans an impressive area of 23,737 square meters and stretches from the majestic Basilica of the Sacred Heart to the historic Place Saint-Pierre. The square boasts a grand staircase comprising 222 steps that lead visitors up to the Basilica, offering a journey as enchanting as the destination itself. Established in 1927 and initially named St. Peter’s Square before being renamed to Square Willette, it has been a significant part of Parisian history and architecture. The entire western boundary of the square is adorned by the Montmartre funicular, adding a unique charm to its steep, landscaped terrains. The square is renowned for its panoramic views, offering a visual feast that encapsulates the essence of the area. Recognized for its exceptional service and accessibility, Square Louise Michel has been awarded the QualiPARIS label, signifying its excellence in hospitality, listening, access, and information dissemination. It welcomes visitors daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, although accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility is limited to certain areas. The square’s location is conveniently served by line 2 of the Anvers metro station and line 12 at Abbesses Metro Station, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists alike.
Historical Roots and Artistic Flourishes of St. Peter’s Square
The genesis of St. Peter’s Square is intricately linked with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart’s history, a monument built as a symbol of hope and redemption following the Commune’s defeat in 1871. The national fundraising campaign that ensued saw an overwhelming response, with nearly forty-six million francs raised, spearheading the basilica’s construction that commenced in 1875. Architect Paul Abadie, who won the design competition, chose an eclectic architectural style for the basilica, utilizing a specific type of white stone from Château-Landon known for its pollution resistance. Following Abadie’s death in 1884, Honoré Daumet and later Charles Laisné succeeded him, completing the basilica in 1923. Despite the area’s history with gypsum quarries, the development of a square in front of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in 1927, initially named St. Peter’s Square, was realized. The same white stone used for the basilica was employed in constructing the square’s staircases and fountains, enriching the site with a sense of unity and elegance. The square, adorned with abundant vegetation, has become a beloved spot for tourists, second only to Notre-Dame de Paris in terms of visitation. Among its botanical treasures are remarkable trees such as a seventeen-foot orange tree, fig trees, magnolias, and a twenty-meter Indian chestnut, alongside honey locusts and pomegranates. The square’s beauty is further accentuated by two exceptional fountains: a monumental three-niche fountain sculpted in 1932 by Paul Gasq and a smaller fountain known as the Innocents, crafted in 1906 by Emile Derré, showcasing high-relief bronze decorations, making St. Peter’s Square not just a place of historical significance but also a haven of artistic and natural beauty.
Shared Shuttle Transfer to Square Saint-Pierre in Paris
For convenient access to Square Saint-Pierre, a shared shuttle transfer service is available from Parisian airports. The square is situated 12.7 kilometers from Orly Airport, 32.6 kilometers from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 108 kilometers from Beauvais Airport.