The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church looks like a Greek temple to me—plus I noticed right away its similarity to the Pantheon with its massive line of columns at the entry. I was to find out later that there is some history, of course, to the two buildings’ similarities. Both went back and forth 
between serving as a church and as a civic temple.The eglise was consecrated as a Catholic church in 1842 after a few false starts and discussions about its purpose. Napoleon (of course, you knew it would be him) decided to erect a memorial dedicated to the glory of his army and wanted it designed like an antique temple including a colonade of 52 Corinthian columns 65 feet high. He won, as you can see, but after the fall of Napoleon, King Louis XVIII decided that the structure would be used as a church dedicated to Mary Magdalene. But when Louis-Philippe took over, it was rededicated as a monument of national reconciliation (an atonement for the Rev
olution). Finally, it was consecrated again as a church and remains so today.The church’s single nave is capped by three domes with décor inspired by Roman baths. High above the altar stands a statue of Saint Mary Magdalene with two angels lifting her into heaven. The frescos above the statue and the altar show the key figures in the Christian religion; Napoleon is also featured in the fresco (although you can't see him in this photo). It houses many famous paintings and sculptures, including "The Baptism of Christ" by Rude. The church is the site of the most fashionable weddings in Paris; it houses a famous
pipe organ; and it held the funeral of Frederic Chopin.The Madeleine is one of my first memories on my first trip to Paris. Wandering around the city on my first day, I poked my head into this beautiful church and sat and wrote in my journal (hmm, where is that journal?). I think of that foreign cultural experience every time I’ve walked by the church since then.
