Eglise Saint-Sulpice

Eglise Saint-Sulpice in Paris is famous for its unique architectural features, but one particularly intriguing aspect is the presence of the Gnomon of Saint-Sulpice, an astronomical device installed in the church. The gnomon is a large brass line set into the floor that runs from the north end of the transept to an obelisk near the southern end. It was constructed in the 18th century to determine the exact date of Easter each year.

The gnomon works by projecting sunlight through a small hole in the southern wall onto the line. As the sun moves across the sky, the light spot moves along the brass line. At noon on the equinoxes, the sunlight falls precisely on the obelisk. This setup allowed for precise astronomical observations and timekeeping, and it remains a fascinating example of the intersection of science and religion.

Additionally, the Eglise Saint-Sulpice was prominently featured in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code,” which has added to its mystique and popularity among tourists.