Who is buried in Saint Denis?

Who is Buried in Saint Denis?

Located in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, the Basilica of Saint-Denis is one of the most historic and revered places of worship in the world. For centuries, it has been the final resting place of the French monarchs, with nearly every king from the 10th to the 18th centuries being buried there. But who exactly is buried in Saint Denis?

Kings of France

All but Five: As mentioned earlier, all but five of the Kings of France were buried in the Basilica of Saint Denis. These monarchs were laid to rest in elaborate tombs, with many featuring intricate carvings and ornate decorations.

Some Notable Kings:

• Clovis I (466-511): The first King of the Franks and the founder of the Merovingian dynasty.
• Pepin the Short (714-768): The father of Charlemagne and a significant figure in the Carolingian dynasty.
• Isabella of Aragon (1248-1271): The queen consort of Philip II of France and a patron of the arts.
• Anne of Brittany (1477-1514): The queen consort of two French kings, Henry II and Francis I.
• Henry II (1519-1559): The king of France and the first king of the Valois-Angoulême dynasty.
• Catherine de Medici (1519-1589): The queen consort of Henry II and the regent of France during the minority of her sons.

Queens and Princes

In addition to the kings, many queens and princes are also buried in Saint Denis. Some notable examples include:

• Blanche of Castile (1188-1252): The queen consort of Louis VIII of France and the regent of France during the minority of her son, Louis IX.
• Isabella of Bavaria (1389-1435): The queen consort of Charles VI of France and the mother of three French kings.
• Mary of Hungary (1505-1558): The queen consort of Louis XII of France and the regent of France during the minority of her son, Francis II.
• Louis XIII (1601-1643): The king of France and the father of Louis XIV.
• Marie-Thérèse of Austria (1638-1683): The queen consort of Louis XIV and the mother of Louis, the Grand Dauphin.

The Current Basilica

The current Basilica of Saint Denis was built in the 12th century and features a stunning Gothic architecture. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The Tombs

The tombs in Saint Denis are some of the most impressive and ornate in the world. Many feature intricate carvings, statues, and other decorations. Some of the most notable tombs include:

• The Tomb of Louis IX (1214-1270): The king of France and the founder of the University of Paris.
• The Tomb of Philip II (1180-1223): The king of France and the father of Louis VIII.
• The Tomb of Charles V (1338-1380): The king of France and the father of Charles VI.

Interesting Facts

• Over 1,500 Years of History: The Basilica of Saint Denis has a rich history spanning over 1,500 years.
• Over 42 Kings and Queens: More than 42 kings and queens are buried in Saint Denis.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Basilica of Saint Denis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical landmarks in the world.
• Over 6 Million Visitors Each Year: The Basilica of Saint Denis attracts over 6 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited places in the world.

In conclusion, the Basilica of Saint Denis is a place of immense historical and cultural significance, with many notable kings, queens, and princes buried there. From the Merovingian dynasty to the Valois-Angoulême dynasty, the tombs in Saint Denis are a testament to the rich history and legacy of the French monarchy.

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