General view of the Basilica from the courtyard at the foot of the hill. The Basilica was built between 1875 and 1917 in expiation for the wayward ways of the population and after the Prussian bombardment and the communard uprising in 1870/1. Gypsum had been extensively excavated from the hill over the years leading to fear of its collapse. The Basilica, therefore, needed foundation pits 33 metres deep, giving rise to the tag that the Basilica supports the hill rather than the other way round.
The cable car brings you from Montmartre to the Basilica ground level entrance. Otherwise you might be too exhausted to run up the 237 steps to the cupola to get some of the best panoramic shots in Paris.
One of the two horsemen who flank the entrance to the Basilica. The term Basilica denotes a place of pilgrimage as opposed to a cathedral which is the seat of a bishop.
The Merry-go-round in the courtyard at the foot of the hill is a beautiful example of an old style carousel. The inscription reads "Venetian carousel from the 18th century" and the pictures are scenes of Venice.
Square Willette at the front of the Sacré Coeur viewed from inside the cupola. Note the merry-go-round at top right of picture.
View from inside the copula in the direction of the Eiffel tower, which is barely discernable in the distance.