Constructed by the architect Mario Botta in 1995, the Évry Cathedral challenges accepted norms of architecture while respecting the traditional symbolism of the Catholic church. The triangular roof and three large entrances each represent the Holy Trinity while 12 stained glass windows represent the apostles, although the images depicted are abstract. Constructed of brick, the placement of windows and latticework allows natural light to penetrate the interior space. The cylindrical form of the building is reminiscent of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), designed by Botta around the same time. The similarity is extended inside the cathédrale, which holds a museum as well as artworks including a 16th-century statue of the Virgin, tapestries, and modern religious sculpture.
The Romano-Byzantine Sacre Coeur Basilica overlooks Montmartre, one of Paris's most picturesque districts. Its distinctive travertine stone dome rises up over the rooftops, allowing visitors to the basilica the perfect vantage point from which to survey the city. Within Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, often called Sacré-Cœur, visitors will find several interesting sites, including a mosaic of Christ, an elegant organ constructed by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, and a crypt. Commissioned by the Catholic Church, construction began in 1875 under the watchful eye of architect Paul Abadie, and was finally completed in 1914.
Kagyu-Dzong monastery is a Buddhist organization with an affiliation from the Tibetan Buddhism school of Karma Kagyu. The temple was designed by renowned architect Jean-Luc Massot, with the blueprint being approved by the city council. Established in the 20th Century near the Pagode du bois de Vincennes, this Bhutanese and Tibetan style temple was a major religious house in the area and is renowned for its architectural style.
The Eglise Saint Medard is a famous Roman Catholic church, located in downtown Brunoy in France, whose construction started way back in the 12th century and was completed only by end of the 18th century. Constructed on the same site where a historical Merovingian chapel stood, this collegiate church is designed with a heavily decorated nave and choir. The decorations include fancy painted panels and beautiful paintings, such as the famous work by Restout, 'Madonna and Child'. The pulpit adorned by a glory, along with the altarpiece, a baroque-style wooden bench and confessional add to the magnificence of the décor.
Founded by Cardinal Mazarin in the 17th Century, Bibliothèque Mazarine is one of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in Paris. This library boasts a massive collection featuring over 600.000 volumes ranging across all subjects. Situated inside L'institut de France, Bibliothèque Mazarine is a must-visit for bibliophiles while in the city.
The Panthéon is a magnificent building built between 1764 and 1790, commissioned by King Louis XV and completed on the heels of the French Revolution. Renowned for its Neoclassical architecture, the Panthéon is also the resting place of famous individuals such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire and Marie Curie. The architecture is inspired by the Roman Pantheon, with the dome closely resembling that of the St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This is a must-visit for all visitors to Paris - not only for its grand history, but also for the sheer beauty of the Panthéon.