Perched on top of the Montmartre hill, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) is an emblematic monument of Paris. Begun in 1875, the building had a succession of architects and its construction was spread over nearly forty years. The bell tower and its lantern were completed in 1912. The First World War prevented its consecration until 1919. The mosaic in the choir represents the risen Christ with his arms open over a golden heart. With its 475 m², it is one of the largest mosaics in the world. The basilica cost 45 million gold francs, paid for entirely by the faithful and by friendly nations such as Canada and Lebanon.