Monument to Bishop Saint Denis in Montmartre

The monument to Bishop Saint Denis was erected in memory of the first bishop of Paris.

The monument is located in Montmartre, in the square of Susanne Buisson.

Interestingly, according to one version, Montmartre - the hill of the holy martyr - was named in honor of the Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris (Saint Denis). According to legend, Saint Dionysius was executed in Montmartre in 272, at a time when Christians were persecuted by pagan authorities. According to legend, after the execution, the decapitated Saint Denis passed preaching with his severed head in his hands about six kilometers north. When he stopped, he pointed to the place where his remains were to be buried. Later on this very place grew the famous Abbey of Saint-Denis.

The monument to the bishop represents Saint Dionysius with his own head in his hands. Previously, the site of the statue was the Fountain of Saint Denis, in which Saint Denis is believed to have washed his head.