France - Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux

The Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux (Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse of Lisieux) was founded in Romanesque-Byzantine style in memory of Sainte Thérèsede l’Enfant Jésus. Construction of the church began in 1929 and it was consecrated in 1954.

The story of the Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse begins with the life of Thérèse of Lisieux, a young Carmelite nun who was canonised in 1925. Her popularity grew enormously and the need for a place of pilgrimage became apparent. In response, construction of the basilica began under the direction of the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and architect Louis Marie Cordonnier.

The design of the basilica is a mix of neo-Byzantine and Romanesque styles, inspired by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris. The building is constructed of reinforced concrete and a local type of granite. The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse has impressive dimensions: 104 metres long, 45 metres wide and a dome reaching a height of 97 metres. With an area of 4,500 m², it is the largest church built in France in the 20th century. The basilica can accommodate 4.000 worshippers.

The construction of the Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux faced many challenges, including financial constraints and the outbreak of the Second World War, but it was finally consecrated in 1954. Today, with more than 700,000 visitors, it has become the second most important place of pilgrimage in France.