The Spire Soon to Be Rebuilt on the Necropolis of the Kings of France

In 1846, the original spire – that dated back to 1219 and reached over 280 feet into the sky – and the north tower were taken down. A tornado had weakened the entire structure and it was threatening to collapse.

The first project to rebuild was launched a few years later but was soon abandoned due to the country’s political instability. 

In 1987, the idea came up again. A sponsorship program was created, with the bishop of Saint Denis at the top of the list.

Beginning in 2019, a working village will be set up in front of the basilica. Stone masons, blacksmiths, wood workers, glass blowers and carpenters will offer demonstrations of their trades. The first step will be to fortify the west wall that will hold up the spire.

The necropolis of the kings of France currently attracts 130,000 visitors a year. The irony of the story is that Laurent Russier, the Communist mayor of Saint Denis, encourages this project that he considers as “the most important project for the French heritage since the beginning of the century.” 

Of course, the city does hope to double the number of visitors thanks to this project to rebuild the rest of the basilica…