Basilica of St. Thérèse

Lisieux, France

The Basilica of St. Thérèse of Lisieux can accommodate 4,000 people, and, with more than two million visitors a year, is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes. Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica on 2 June 1980. St. Therese of Lisieux was beatified in 1923 and canonised in 1925. It was decided to build a large basilica dedicated to her in the city where she lived and died. Construction started in 1929 and finished in 1954. The basilica contains 18 minor altars offered by different nations to St. Therese. Works stopped for some time due to the Second World War, but then resumed and the basilica was completed in 1954. The basic structure, which was completed before the war, suffered little damage during the bombing, which destroyed two-thirds of Lisieux. On 11 July 1951, the basilica was consecrated by Most Reverend, the Archbishop of Rouen Joseph-Marie Martin, with the Papal Legate, Maurice Cardinal Feltin.

The construction was supervised by three architects from father to son, Cordonnier - Louis Marie, and his son Louis-Stanislas Cordonnier and his grandson Louis Cordonnier. The Roman-Byzantine style of the basilica was inspired by the Sacred Heart Basilica, Paris. The building is in the shape of a Latin cross, with nave, choir and transept. The cross is surmounted by an imposing dome. The internal volume is all in one piece, without collateral or ambulatory aisles. Hence due to the absence of columns, all the faithful who attend mass have an unobstructed view. Most of the interior of the basilica is covered with mosaics.

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Founded: 1929-1954
Category: Religious sites in France

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nellie Bee (36 days ago)
Basilica was closed when we got there. We went too early. Check the schedule before going. We only saw the surroundings and not the inside. We couldn't stay longer due to our structured schedule. We were a big group of pilgrims and needed to keep our schedules. Hopefully, we can return in the future?. You can also visit the Chapel of St. Therese, which is a few miles away from the Basilica.
Rose Tomala (3 months ago)
Amazing place with great spiritual atmosphere. Beautiful mosaics all over the walls, fantastic vitrages and magnificent architecture visible on the outside of the building. The Crypt is definitely worth visiting - daily mass around 15.30 in there (confirm in the pastoral centre). The way if the Cross - quite small at the back of the basilica- but beautiful and you can see the grave of St Thérèse's parents. In the Pastoral centre of Pope John Paul II you see beautiful representation of the important events within the Gospel (tiny figurines). And you can also see Wax museum showing important events from the life of St Thérèse- entrance just on the left next to main basilica entrance and printed guide notes in several languages. Within the Basilica there are small side chapels dedicated to various countries. There is also a Chapel of St Louis and Zelia Martin with their relics (on the right side of the crypt). If you want to take plenty of photos or videos, make sure to have phone charged and power bank snd reserve at least 2 hours to see this place. It is definitely worth it and breath taking. Also, get some change if you want Monnaie de Paris - a memorative coin with either St Thérèse or Basilica - 3 euro each but you cannot pay by card.
Pieter van der Wulp (3 months ago)
The Basilica of Saint Therese is very impressive! Especially its size and the highly detailed mosaic decorations. We climbed the dome and both the exterior as well as the interior route are impressive and stunning. It is amazing to walk around in the most upper section of the dome. We highly recommend it, if you’re able to climb the 300+ stairs.
Heimdal Odinson (3 months ago)
I was over the moon to have stumbled across this magnificent Basilica . In my ignorance I had never heard of Saint Therese of Lisieux , I certainly have now . What a glorious memorial to her this glorious building is . I could have spent days here and loved every minute of it . Bravo to the designers and builders . The locals must be very proud of Saint Therese herself and their memorial to her . I am so grateful to have been given the chance to visit . Merci Beaucoup .
Marcus Simpson (5 months ago)
What an amazing place, just outstanding with beautiful gothic designs. Very somber basilica well worth a visit, with plenty of parking and atop of a hill from the village of lesaux. Apparently pope John Paul II visited in 1980 and I am guessing there was a visitor centre erected in honour of his visit. In the centre there was a model display covering the time line of Jesus and his life. I tried to take a video of this but I think it was automatically shortened, neither the less, you get the idea. So glad we visited as it was great. There was also a market on the day we visited which was very quaint, we had to as at the tourist information office for the location of the market, which was situated behind the library. Definitely worth visiting the area ? please like this review ? many thanks ?
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