The Holy Cross Cathedral of Paris Armenians is located rue du Perche, in the 3rd arrondissement of the capital, in the heart of the Marais district.
The building was first a church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, built in 1623 by financier Claude Charlot, and adjoining a convent of Capuchins. Many personalities like Madame de Sévigné then appear among the parishioners. Rebuilt in 1715, after the Revolution, the church was restored to worship in 1803 and named Saint-Jean-Saint-François. The convent for its part was destroyed and gave way to dwellings.
Enlarged in the 1830s, the church was endowed in 1855 with a new porch designed by the famous architect Victor Baltard which mixes Romanesque and Renaissance influences. There is a medallion of Saint Francis of Assisi in ecstasy.
At the same time, organs are installed and famous musicians such as César Franck and Jules Massenet practice there.
Inside, where a basilica plan was adopted, we can appreciate the cradle vault of the nave, several paintings depicting Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Jean or the Flagellation of Christ, or a marble statue of Saint -François d'Assise dating from the Renaissance. Pieces of liturgical furniture (high altar, candlesticks, woodwork) are also very well made.
Then closed to worship, the church was entrusted in the 1970s to the Armenian community who turned it into a catholic cathedral Holy Cross of Armenians Paris.
Open on Sundays or weekdays, for visits, only by appointment. Information on +33 1 44 59 23 50.
