The la Madeleine church is on the right bank, situated between Place de la Concorde and the Palais Garnier (original opera house), and within walking distance of the grand department stores, le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. The building resembles a Greek temple more than a church. There are no bell towers and it is not in the shape of a cross; construction started in 1764 and finished in 1842. Napoleon wanted it to be a pantheon in honor of his armies, which may account for its appearance.
The magnificant church organ, one of the best in the city, was
designed by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Throughout the year, both day and
night, the church programs high-quality classical music concerts. The interior has three domes that cannot be seen from the street; even so, the interior is very dim.
Trivia: Chopin's funeral was held here on October 30, 1849. Entrance was restricted to ticket holders, as large crowds were anticipated. Over 3,000 people arrived without invitations -- from as far as London, Berlin and Vienna -- and were denied entry.
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