While we are eagerly awaiting the (rapidly approaching) reopening of Notre Dame de Paris, we've had a great time exploring other churches, like P'Niche's fave, Notre Dame des Victoires, and the more petite Marian Chapel, Notre-Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse. Today, let's take a P'Niche peek at Notre-Dame-du-Travail...
Jumping into the P'Niche Time Travel Machine, we're taking a short little jaunt back to the 1840s and the development and erection of the Gare Montparnasse (née l'Embarcadère de l'Ouest) train station in the heart of Montparnasse in the 14th arrondissement.
Needless to say, a project of such importance and magnitude attracted a colossal number of workers and craftsman to the burgeoning area.
While the laborer's originally gathered on Sundays in the nearby village of La Plaisance to worship, they decided that they needed to construct their own parish, designed with them in mind.
Noticing the rapid overcrowding of his little neighborhood, it was in 1884 when Father Roger Soulange-Bodin, a local priest, began a sort of 19th century crowd funding project - which reached national levels of attention - and donation.
He asked (and self-answered) "Why a church? To unite in a religious setting the workers of all classes. Why Paris? Because Paris is correctly considered the center of labor and industry. Why the Plaisance quarter? Because it is a unique neighborhood, inhabited uniquely of workers, which at present does not have a church for its 35,000 inhabitants."
And the donations came pouring in...
Construction was begun under the supervision of architect Jules-Godefroy Astruc (1862-1955) who was also the mind behind the Saint Hippolytus Church in the neighboring 13th arrondissement.
While construction costs went over (as they always do!) Soulange-Bodin even added his own personal funds to see the project to a successful completion.
The church was finally completed and opened its doors in April of 1902.
The exterior of this church was designed in the neo-Romantique style and gives very little insight as to the marvels within...
As you enter Notre-Dame-du-Travail, you cannot help but to admire the cathedral's soaring arches and intricate ironwork, as they seamlessly blend industrial elements with traditional Gothic design.
The dazzling play of light, filtering through the stained glass windows, casts a hypnotizing kaleidoscope of colors, creating a serene ambiance that invites both serenity and contemplation.
And if you feel like you are standing under the Eiffel Tower - that makes sense! This church was constructed by the same hands that put together many of the temporary pavilions that were featured during the 1900 World Expo, where the Eiffel Tower also made her Iron laced debut.
Speaking of those workers, for whom this parish is a tangible and living testament and labor of love, you will find many murals, gorgeously and meticulously depicting their many handyworks and endeavors.
These many murals lends themselves as symbols of a "social Catholicism." The monument was made to look like a factory to give the works an element of both pride and a sense of home and true belonging.
As you continue to walk through the building, you'll notice that you are walking on the original wood parquet flooring - true quality - built to stand (or walk, in this case) the test of time.
In fact, you'll see most materials from the industrial revolution incorporated here, paint, tile, sculpture, woodwork, ironwork and more...
Keep exploring, for this church has so many hidden treasures in plain sight...
While the motifs adorning its walls and ceilings pay homage to the toil and craftsmanship of the working class, you will also admire study, but intricately carved columns.
Even the backbone of this grand church demonstrates beauty and creativity.
These pillars of strength depict the resilience of laborers, while vibrant frescoes narrate tales of sacrifice and unity.
Down to the smallest details, you can hear whispers - a narrative of industry, solidarity, and strong community spirit.
In fact, the common thread of all of the elements under these vaults is one of harmony.
Continue strolling through the church and enjoy taking in the many side chapels. You'll notice that the frescoes and paintings take care to use color and decorative features to soften out the coldness of the surrounding metal works and framing.
Heavily featured are floral motifs - key to the Art-Nouveau movement, which was so prevalent to the times. Truly, everything was considered in this church's creation...
Further lateral chapels contain paintings also represent the working world.
You can see here, Saint Luke (patron saint of art and artists) as well as enjoy artworks of Saint Francis of Assis (poetic creation and ecology), Saint Eloi (metal workers and goldsmiths) and even Saint Fiacre (patron saint of gardening and vegetation), all lovingly brought to life by Giuseppe Uberti and Emile Desouches.
The Stations of the Cross (central decoration to most Catholic churches) are featured in stunning wood engravings.
The 14 stations are composed of stunning wooden relief engravings, and encircle the interior of the church.
One thing that is incredibly thoughtful and unique of this series of stations is that each station is given by the number of characters present in the depiction and decrease as you progress through each stage.
Thus, at stage 14, (the first as we countdown in the series) 14 characters are present and by the last stage, only Jesus Christ is present, alone in the tomb awaiting His Resurrection (and some Easter Bells, we imagine!)
The church also house a grand organ. That said, the organ we see is fashionably late to this party...
Constructed in 1991 by Haepfer it was installed at the entrance of the Nave. It is composed of 61 regular notes in addition to 61 expressive notes and 32 pedals, although in a peculiar turn, it has two separate keyboards.
Honestly, P'Niche doesn't know much about organs, but if you ever want a free (but outstanding) organ concert, head over to Saint Eustache, near rue Montorgueil.
We will learn more about that beauty soon, so hope you will subscribe to join us back here in the Parisian Niche...
There is sooooo much more to discover about Notre-Dame-du-Travail - both inside and out.
We're only adding a small taste here, and that is by design - we want you to experience this church firsthand, for it truly is awe inspiring and worth taking the time to head over to Montparnasse to visit in person.
Want to make your own pilgrimage to this eclectic masterpiece?
Here are the pertinent logistics:
Address: 59, rue Vercingétorix (75014)
Métro: Pernety (Line 13)
Hours: Daily 7:30am - 7:00pm
Telephone: 331 44 10 72 92
And how about you? What is your favorite church or house of worship in Paris, P'Nicher? Are you inspired to check this intricate marvel of ironwork (and so much more) out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below et à bientôt!
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