Boulogne Cathedral
The Basilica of Notre-Dame in Boulogne-sur-Mer is a prominent landmark, distinguished by its 101-meter high dome. Although it is locally referred to as the "cathedral," it has never officially held this status. The current basilica was constructed between 1827 and 1875 on the site of the former medieval cathedral, which was demolished during the French Revolution.
Key Facts
- ›The current basilica was built between 1827 and 1875, replacing a medieval cathedral demolished during the French Revolution.
- ›It is known locally as the "cathedral" but has never formally held this ecclesiastical status.
- ›The basilica features a prominent dome that reaches 101 meters in height.
- ›The site has a history of Christian worship dating back to the 4th or 5th century.
- ›The medieval cathedral was the seat of the Diocese of Boulogne from 1567 until its suppression during the French Revolution.
- ›A celebrated statue of our Lady of the Sea, a major pilgrimage object, was burned in 1793.
- 101-Meter High Dome
- Romanesque Crypt
- Foundations of A Roman Temple Dedicated To Mars In the Crypt
- Memorial To the Wedding of Edward Ii and Isabella of France
- Burial Site of José De San MartíN
BenoîT Haffreingue
About Boulogne Cathedral
Basilica of Notre-Dame, Boulogne
The Basilica of Notre-Dame in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, is a significant religious building and a prominent landmark recognized for its imposing 101-meter high dome. While widely referred to by locals as the "cathedral," it has never officially held this ecclesiastical title. The current basilica was constructed between 1827 and 1875 on the site of the former medieval cathedral.
History and Significance
The history of Christian worship at this site dates back to the Roman period, with the first Christian building likely erected in the 4th or 5th century. According to legend, a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, known as Notre-Dame de la Mer, was discovered in the 7th century and became a major pilgrimage destination from the 13th to the 16th centuries, bringing prosperity to Boulogne. The medieval church was elevated to cathedral status in 1567 with the creation of the Diocese of Boulogne, but this status was lost during the French Revolution.
Reconstruction and Current Status
Following the French Revolution, the medieval cathedral was demolished. Under the Concordat of 1801, the Diocese of Boulogne was suppressed and its territory incorporated into the Diocese of Arras. A local priest, Benoît Haffreingue, spearheaded a campaign to rebuild the cathedral, drawing support from notable figures. Construction of the new basilica began in 1827, incorporating Classical and Renaissance architectural styles. Despite its grandeur and the efforts to restore its ecclesiastical status, the bishop's seat was not returned, and the building was declared a minor basilica in 1879.
Architectural Features and the Crypt
The basilica's design bears similarities to St. Paul's Cathedral. The initial plan for the area beneath the dome was expanded to include a nave and transept, creating a Latin cross plan. This resulted in a unique interior appearance of two distinct, equally beautiful church spaces. During construction in 1827, a remarkably long Romanesque crypt, believed to be the longest in France at 128 meters, was discovered. The crypt contains 11th-century columns, medieval masonry, and the foundations of a Roman temple dedicated to Mars. It also temporarily housed the remains of José de San Martín, the South American liberator, between 1850 and 1861.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Boulogne?
The Basilica of Notre-Dame in Boulogne-sur-Mer is a minor basilica, a significant landmark with a 101-meter high dome. Although commonly called the "cathedral" by locals, it has never officially held this title. It was constructed between 1827 and 1875 on the site of the former medieval cathedral.
What is the history of the site before the current basilica?
The site of Boulogne has a long history of human settlement, occupied by Romans and later developing into a significant port. The first Christian building likely dates to the 4th or 5th century. A medieval church existed here, which became the cathedral of the Diocese of Boulogne in 1567, flourishing until the French Revolution.
Why is the current church not officially a cathedral?
Although rebuilt on the site of the former cathedral and intended to restore its status, the bishop's seat was not returned to Boulogne after the Concordat of 1801. Consequently, the rebuilt church, declared a minor basilica in 1879, never regained its official cathedral status.
What is notable about the crypt of the basilica?
The crypt, discovered during the construction of the new church in 1827, is believed to be the longest in France, measuring 128 meters. It contains Romanesque columns from the 11th century, medieval work, and foundations of a Roman temple. It also served as a burial place for José de San Martín from 1850 to 1861.
What happened to the medieval cathedral?
During the French Revolution, worship in the medieval cathedral was prohibited, and the building eventually fell under government control. After being used as a military warehouse, it was sold and demolished in stages. The celebrated miraculous statue of Our Lady of the Sea was also burned in 1793.
Related Cathedrals
Arras Cathedral
Arras Cathedral, officially named Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast d'Arras, serves as the principal church and seat of the Bishops of Arras in France. The current structure is built upon the site of the former Abbey Church of Saint-Vaast, which was consecrated in 1834 after a significant rebuilding in neoclassical style following the French Revolution.
Portsmouth Cathedral
Portsmouth Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, is the Anglican cathedral for the Diocese of Portsmouth, England. Originally a medieval chapel founded in the late 12th century, it evolved into a parish church before becoming a pro-cathedral in 1927 and a full cathedral in 1935. It is notable for its blend of architectural styles, reflecting centuries of rebuilding and expansion.
Acerno Cathedral
Acerno Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Acerno or Concattedrale di San Donato, is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Donatus of Arezzo, located in Acerno, Campania, Italy. It served as the seat of the Bishop of Acerno from the 11th century until the bishopric was united with Salerno in 1818, eventually becoming a co-cathedral in the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno. The present structure, begun in 1575, has undergone significant restoration after damage from earthquakes and fire.