After an early morning breakfast & taxi departure for Arlanda airport in Stockholm, we were met at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris by Foy & Cherie. They queried whether we (particularly Kathy) were up to a little side trip on our return to Saint Germain en Laye to see the Basilica of Saint Denis/Basiliqué Saint Denis. We wholeheartedly acquiesced (I secretly had pondered asking whether we might include this in our plans in the short days remaining in Paris before we return to the States). I was so happy. To say that is impressive is a massive understatement. After a nice lunch in the plaza facing the Basilica, we toured the cathedral.
The Saint Denis Basilica Cathedral is the Necropolis of the kings of France. The basilica stands on the site a Gallo-Roman cemetery with the tomb of Saint Denis thought to have been the first bishop of Paris, who was martyred circa 250 AD. This place of pilgrimage was built in the 5th century. It became one of the most powerful Benedictine abbeys in the Middle Ages. It became the preferred necropolis of the French monarchs & each new dynasty continued the tradition in order to support its legitimacy. Most of the kings & queens of France were buried here from the 6th century onward. 42 kings, 32 queens, 63 princes & princesses & 10 great men of the realm are buried here.
The first official histories of France were written by the monks of Saint Denis.
Symbolism of dogs at the feet of recumbent statues at Saint Denis: From the 12th century, carved animals were placed at the feet of the statues. They were the protector of the deceased in the afterlife. The dogs are often found at the feet of women & sometimes children. They symbolize loyalty to the sovereign & to the kingdom, but especially signify faith.
https://youtu.be/NVzRvfFCSFI
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