By 2029, the Basilica of Saint-Denis will have found its spire on the north tower, which has been missing for centuries. But while waiting for the work to be completed, you can visit the site and discover the know-how necessary for this restoration!
After the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral which has regained its former splendor, the Saint-Denis Basilicaa royal necropolis, must regain its former structure within a few years, where one could observe on the north tower a superb 90m high spirefrom the years 1180-1200, until the 19th century! In 1846, the dismantling of the spire was decided, causing the essential building in French history to lose its symmetry and its typical Gothic silhouette.
Fortunately, when he carried out the first dismantling in 1837 for restoration after the spire was struck by lightning, the architect François Debret had carried out very precise surveys and sketches. Unfortunately, the arrow threatens the stability of the buildingdespite its status as a symbol of the city. In 1992, the first desires for reconstruction appeared, before the project was validated in 2018.
In 2021, an acceleration of the construction site is decided, to enrich the candidacy of Saint-Denis for the title of European Capital of Culture for 2028. Consolidation work is thus launched in 2023 as well as preventive excavations, which make it possible to uncover more than 200 tombs, Carolingian and Merovingian.
Expected for many years, the arrow must make its final return courant 2029with the installation of the rooster at its summit during Heritage Days. But by then, the restoration of the base of the tower has already started in 2024 and on March 14, 2025, the first stone will be laidofficially. To enable as many people as possible to follow the progress of this extraordinary work, which requires exceptional know-how, the association Follow the arrowwelcomes you from January at the heart of construction site.
On the program, this Arrow Factory will allow young and old alike to discover behind the scenes of this event, through cultural activities and fun workshopsaround the work of stone, its trades and the history of the monument. You can take advantage of a 3D experience on the association’s website to see what it will look like but also sponsor a stone to help with the reconstruction and participate!
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