Inside the Basilica of Saint-Remi

The Basilica of Saint-Remi in the city of Reims is certainly a very impressive structure. It is a wonderful mix of architectural styles that produced one of the largest churches in France. The designs of the churches have also influenced church design in the rest of Europe as well. The basilica was built on top of an older chapel where Saint-Remi was buried. To know all this, one needs to understand a bit of French history. Indeed, the heritage sites here in Reims are all related to the history of France itself. Saint Remi or Saint Remigius, was the Bishop of Reims. At that time, there was no France. There were however the Franks who lived in this area of Europe. The Franks had a king called Clovis I. The king would establish very good relationships with Saint Remi and the church as a whole that eventually, Clovis through the prodding of his wife, converted to Christianity.

It is said that Saint Remi himself baptized Clovis who would eventually also be venerated a saint as well. In fact, it was Clovis who suggested that a grand church be built where Saint Remi was buried. And what a church was built. Over the years, the church was extended to the one we see now. It would sometimes be strange to see the current architectural style of the church. I entered the church through the side entrance and you can already see something which looks like an altar at the far end of the church. Then I would realize that this was just the transept, or the arms of the church which is typically shorter than the actual length of the church. I only goes to show you how impressively large this church is.

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