Basilica of St. Denis

Now known as the Basilica cathedral of St. Denis, the Basilica is located 6 miles (10km) north of Paris,
It was built on the Site where St. Denis was buried. All but four of the Kings of France were subsequently buried here.

St. Denis, also known as Dyonisius, is the Patron Saint of France and one of the Patron Saints of Paris. He was martyred in c. 250 CE. His Feast Day is celebrated on October 9th.

In c. 313 CE, a Martyrium was built on the site. The number of Pilgrims increased each century.
St. Genevieve (c.419-c.512 CE) developed the shrine into a Basilica..
In 632 CE, Dagobert I converted the site into the Abbey of St. Denis, a Benedictine monastery, with a new Mausoleum for the remains of St. Denis.
In 775 CE, the Abbey was rebuilt and consecrated by Charlemagne.
In 832 CE a second Crypt was added.
Between 1135-1161 CE, Abbot Suger reconstructed the Abbey in the Gothic style. And during the following centuries various extensions were added.
After the French Revolution in 1789, the Benedictine Order of Monks was abolished on 15th September 1792, the Abbey deconsecrated and used as a warehouse, but allowed to remain standing, whereas the monastic buildings were demolished.
Between 1813-1843 CE, the Abbey was restored by Debret. He was then replaced by Viollet-le-duc who continued the restoration until 1879 CE.

Oriflamme is from the Latin, Aurea Flamma, meaning Golden Flame. The Oriflamme was a sacred Banner of orange-red silk flown from a lance by the Kings of France during the Middle Ages. It was eventually replaced on Standards by the Fleur de Lys.
It was kept at the Abbey of St. Denis, north of Paris. When raised, it was a symbol that no quarter was to be given, no prisoners taken.
It was first used in 1124 by Louis VI, and last used in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

In early 250 CE the Emperor Decius (249-251 CE) passed an Edict which started the Decian Persecution.
According to Gregory of Tours, Pope Fabian (Pope between 236-250 CE) had sent seven Bishops from Italy with the aim of converting Gaul to Christianity. One of the seven was St. Denis who was sent to become the Bishop of Paris.
As a result of the Edict, Pope Fabian was martyred on the 20th January 250 CE.
St. Denis was also martyred, by beheading on a hill, later named after his martyrdom, ‘Montmartre’ (Mount of the Martyr). His two friends, Rusticus and Eleutherius who had accompanied St. Denis were also martyred with him.

Basilica of St. Denis