This is the largest Greek temple-style cathedral in Paris and one of the city's most famous buildings, located on Place de la Madeleine near the Opéra (with the renowned Faucho gourmet food shop behind it), facing the Palais Bourbon across the Seine.
It seems only an emperor like Napoleon would build such a grand structure; originally conceived as a triumphal monument after great victories, construction began in 1806 based on architect Vignon’s design. Completed in 1814, King Louis XVIII decreed it return to religious use, and it was officially consecrated as a cathedral in 1845.
The exterior is striking, surrounded by a row of Corinthian columns (52 in total, 20 meters high) forming a dignified colonnade. The front features a triangular pediment with reliefs depicting "The Last Judgment," while the bronze entrance doors bear bas-reliefs of the Ten Commandments. To the left of the entrance stands a statue of the Baptism of Jesus, and to the right, the Wedding at Cana. Inside, the vast space features five grand arches supporting the ceiling, with semi-circular apses at both ends, making it unique among Parisian churches. The sacred altar holds a finely carved sculpture of the Assumption of Mary by 19th-century Italian sculptor Charles Marochetti. Between the rows of Corinthian columns stand prominent statues of saints. Notably, the church receives light solely from the arched ceiling, with no stained glass.
The main doors of La Madeleine are the largest, heaviest (3.2 tons), and most exquisite of all Parisian church entrances. They depict the Ten Commandments and are a masterpiece by sculptor Henri de Triqueti.
