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Origin and history

The Saint-Louis Cathedral of Versailles, built in the 2nd quarter of the 18th century, was designed by architect Jacques Hardouin-Mansart of Sagonne, grandson of the famous architect of Louis XIV. His first stone was laid in 1743 by the archbishop of Paris, in the presence of Louis XV, who placed commemorative medals there. The church, of rock style, was blessed on August 25, 1754, the day of Saint Louis, but did not become cathedral until 1802, when the bishopric of Versailles was created. It was not consecrated until 1843.

Prior to its construction, the inhabitants of Old Versailles used a temporary chapel, erected in 1730 under the patronage of Saint Louis. The decision to build a definitive church was taken around 1740, on a large square near the king's garden. Louis XV chose Hardouin-Mansart de Sagonne despite the hopes of Angel-Jacques Gabriel, the king's official architect. The foundations, begun in 1742, had to face a spongy ground, requiring a radier of cut stones.

The church played a major political role during the Revolution: in 1789 it welcomed the procession of the General States and the renewal of the oath of the Jeu de palme. Transformed into a temple of Abondance under the Terror, it became a place of worship again in 1795 and was preferred to Notre-Dame as cathedral in 1802. In the 19th century, it was restored and embellished by Kings Louis XVIII and Louis-Philippe, as well as Napoleon III, with major artistic contributions such as the stained glass windows of Sèvres or the sculptures of Augustin Pajou.

The cathedral architecture combines Gothic tradition and Baroque innovations. Its Latin cross plan, its dome with cut strips and its two-storey facade, decorated with Doric and Corinthian columns, reflect the influence of Borromini. The interior, sober and elegant, is marked by rock ornaments of Nicolas Pineau and a vault with penetration. The Chapel of Providence, added in 1764 by Louis-François Trouard, houses bas-reliefs of Augustin Pajou representing the cardinal virtues and doctors of the Church.

The great organ, commissioned in 1759 by Clicquot, is a historic jewel. It was inaugurated in 1761 and played a symbolic role in the 1789 General States. Damaged during the Revolution, it was restored several times, notably by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1861 and recently in 2020. The cathedral also houses major works of art, including paintings by François Boucher and Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre, as well as sculptures such as the monument of the Duke of Berry by James Pradier.

Ranked a historic monument in 1906, Saint-Louis Cathedral remains an exceptional witness to 18th-century religious art, mixing royal history, architectural innovations and artistic heritage. Its organ, stained glass windows and chapels make it a must-see place for the Verailian heritage.

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