When the church began construction in 1764, architect Pierre Constant d'Ivry resembled those of Les Invalides. When d'Ivy died in 1777 his plans, which can still be seen in the Musée Carnavalet, were reviewed successor, Guillome-Martin Couture. He decided to demolish the unfinished building and start a new project, this time based on design Pantheon.
Construc
tion was interrupted during the French Revolution until 1806 when Napoleon decided to build a temple in honor of his army. When Pierre-Alexandre Vignon appointed responsible for this, and he once knocked down the building to the ground and began construction of a temple inspired by the "Maison Carrée", an ancient Roman temple in the city of Nîmes.
After high Arc de Triomphe, the French military honor, the new temple needed a new utility. Some suggestions include using the temple as the seat of Parliament, the bank or even train station. Finally, in 1842, the building was consecrated as a church, which continues to be today.
No less than 52 Corinthian columns surrounding the temple, each with a height of 20 meters. Bronze reliefs on the doors are the work of Henri de Triquet and represent the 10 Commandments. The facade of the temple is meant to counterbalance architectural facade with columns Bourbon Palace over the Seine.
Inside, behind the altar is a statue representing the Ascension of Mary Magdalene, which was built in 1837 by Charles Marochetti church organ was made Cavaille-Coll in 1846 and is used for concerts today.
Madeleine Church is located in Place de la Madeleine, near the Opera Garnier and Place de la Concorde.
