The Basilica of Saint Thérèse in Lisieux at a glance
The Basilica of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, in Normandy's Calvados department, is dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. It is often described as the second most important pilgrimage site in France after Lourdes, and can hold around 4,000 people.
The history of the Basilica of Lisieux
After Thérèse's beatification in 1923 and canonisation in 1925, pilgrims flocked to Lisieux. The Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux, Mgr Lemonnier, launched the project of a great pilgrimage basilica, with the support of Pope Pius XI.
The foundation stone was laid on 30 September 1929, the anniversary of Thérèse's death. The work was entrusted to the architect Louis-Marie Cordonnier, then continued by his son Louis Cordonnier. The crypt was completed in 1932.
On 11 July 1937, the basilica was blessed by Cardinal Pacelli, papal legate and future Pope Pius XII. The Second World War then slowed the work, and the basilica was not consecrated until 11 July 1954.
Eighteen side altars were donated by different countries in tribute to Saint Thérèse, a sign of the worldwide reach of the “Little Flower”.
The dome, the mosaics and the crypt
Romano-Byzantine architecture
The basilica is built in a Romano-Byzantine style, often compared with the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Its great dome, about 95 metres high according to most sources, can be seen from far across the Pays d'Auge. A separate bell tower stands beside the building.
The mosaics
The interior is covered with some 8,000 m² of mosaics and stained glass, made by the workshops of Jean Gaudin and his son Pierre Gaudin. Blue dominates the windows, gold the mosaics. The great apse mosaic is one of the most photographed.
The crypt
Beneath the basilica, the three-aisled crypt measures roughly 50 by 30 metres. It is entirely decorated with marble and mosaics. Scenes added in 1958 tell the key moments of Thérèse's life. Since 2008 the crypt has also housed the reliquary of Louis and Zélie Martin, Thérèse's parents, canonised in 2015.
The basilica on your walls
Fifteen posters of the basilica, each in three colourways: travel, stained glass, architect's plan, watercolour and drawings for little pilgrims.
See the printsWho was Saint Thérèse of Lisieux?
Thérèse Martin was born on 2 January 1873 in Alençon, in the Orne. She was the youngest of the five daughters of Louis and Zélie Martin who reached adulthood. After her mother's death in 1877, the family moved to Lisieux, to the house known as Les Buissonnets.
In 1888, aged 15, she entered the Carmel of Lisieux, where two of her sisters had gone before her, taking the name Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Stricken with tuberculosis, she died on 30 September 1897, aged 24.
Her writings, published after her death as Story of a Soul, made her known throughout the world. In them she describes her “little way”: seeking holiness in the simplest everyday acts, with trust and love. She had promised to let fall a “shower of roses” from heaven, which is why roses accompany her in depictions.
Key dates
- Thérèse Martin is born in Alençon.
- The Martin family moves to Lisieux.
- Thérèse enters the Carmel of Lisieux, aged 15.
- Thérèse dies at the Carmel, aged 24.
- Beatified by Pope Pius XI.
- Canonised by Pope Pius XI.
- Foundation stone of the basilica laid.
- Basilica blessed by Cardinal Pacelli.
- Consecration of the basilica.
- Thérèse proclaimed Doctor of the Church by John Paul II.
- Centenary of the canonisation, celebrated in Lisieux.
Visiting the Basilica of Lisieux
The basilica stands on a hill south-east of Lisieux town centre, about two hours from Paris. Entry is free. Allow time for the crypt, often considered as beautiful as the upper basilica.
- Must-sees: the great apse mosaic, the dome, the relics of Saint Thérèse in the transept, the crypt and its golden mosaics, the bell tower and the Stations of the Cross behind the apse.
- For photos: in the morning the light falls on the façade; in the evening the illuminated basilica can be seen from all over town.
- Highlights: the feast of Saint Thérèse, around 1 October, draws many pilgrims.
In the footsteps of Saint Thérèse in Lisieux
The basilica is just one stop. To follow Thérèse's life, you can also visit:
- Les Buissonnets, the house where she lived from 1877 until she entered the Carmel;
- the Carmel chapel, where the reliquary of Saint Thérèse rests;
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral, one of the first Gothic cathedrals in Normandy, attended by the Martin family.
Frequently asked questions about the Basilica of Lisieux
When was the Basilica of Lisieux built?
The foundation stone was laid on 30 September 1929. The basilica was blessed on 11 July 1937 and consecrated on 11 July 1954.
Who was Saint Thérèse of Lisieux?
Thérèse Martin, born in Alençon in 1873, entered the Carmel of Lisieux at 15 and died there in 1897 aged 24. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, made her known worldwide. She was canonised in 1925 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1997.
How tall is the dome of the Basilica of Lisieux?
The dome rises to about 95 metres according to most sources; published figures range from 90 to 97 metres depending on the point measured.
Is it free to visit the Basilica of Lisieux?
Entry to the basilica is free. Opening times and guided tours are listed on the official website of the Sanctuary of Lisieux.
When is the feast of Saint Thérèse?
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is celebrated on 1 October.
Sources
- Sanctuary of Lisieux, official website: therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr
- Holy See, biography of Saint Thérèse published for her doctorate (1997): vatican.va
- Encyclopædia Britannica, “St. Thérèse of Lisieux”
- Structurae, “Basilique Sainte-Thérèse” (timeline)