Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
| Basilique du Sacré-Cœur | |
 | |
| General information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Basilique |
| Location | Quimper |
| Completed | 900 AN |
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is, despite its name, the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Quimper and the principal ecclesiastical seat of the Norman church, and formerly of the Storish-aligned Église de Normandie, the established Nazarene denomination of Normandie. It is situated in downtown Quimper, at the confluence of the rivers Isole, Scorff, and Loire, near Lac Trieux.
The basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and holds the distinction of being one of four Major Basilicas in Quimper. Commissioned by Duke Pépin the Confessor who was later canonized by the Église de Normandie. It was constructed following the collapse of the Kingdom of Franciana and the independence of the Duchy of Normandie, which led to the establishment of a national church at the Tenth Council of Quimper.
Since its consecration, the Sacré-Cœur has served as a central institution in the spiritual, cultural, and political life of Normandie. It is the traditional site for the coronation, weddings, and funerals of the Dukes of Normandie, and holds social and ceremonial significance.
Architecturally, the basilica is renowned for its central spire, which reaches 404 feet (123 meters), making it the tallest in Normandie. Its Early Norman Gothic nave is distinguished by both its height and narrow design. The climb to the summit of the spire, via 332 steps, offers panoramic views of Quimper and the surrounding landscape, as well as insight into the cathedral's inner timber structure.
Despite its grandeur, the spire presented structural challenges due to its immense weight (6,397 tons). Over centuries, buttresses, anchor irons, and bracing arches were added to ensure stability. The inward bending of the support pillars was countered in part by tie beams designed by Valtian architect Margrét Guðjónsdóttir. These reinforcements were discreetly hidden beneath a false ceiling in the tower’s lantern stage.
Major renovations took place 1536–1547 under the direction of Storish architect Ingibjörg de Béthune, involving the demolition of a historic bell tower and construction of a new one, as well as restoration of the rood screen. The basilica’s total construction utilized approximately 70,000 tons of stone, 3,000 tons of timber, and 450 tons of lead. Thereafter, large-scale renovations began in 1744 under the reign of Duke Theodoric van Orton.
