Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis is a city and commune in the north suburbs of Paris, France. Saint-Denis is a sub-prefecture of the Seine-Saint-Denis departement, and is the seat of the Arrondissement of Saint-Denis. It is in the Île-de-France region. Inhabitants of Saint-Denis are called Dionysiens.

Saint-Denis is home to the Saint Denis Basilica. France's national football stadium, Stade de France, built in 1998 for the Football World Cup is in Saint-Denis.

Saint-Denis used to be an industrial suburb, but its reconverting its economic base.

History

Almost every French king since Dagobert Ist, was buried in the Basilica. Saint-Denis dates back to the second century. It used to be a village called Catolacus. Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was martyred in about 250 AD. He was buried in the cemetery of Catolacus. Denis' tomb became a place of worship.

During the French Revolution in 1793, the city was renamed Franciade, and the royal necropolis was looted and destroyed. The name was changed back in 1803.

During the Second World War, the Germans occupied Saint-Denis from June 13, 1940. The town was liberated by General Leclerc on August 27.