Following the canonization of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus in Lisieux (1925), the influx of pilgrims prompted the authorities to initiate the construction of a basilica with the support of Pope Pius XI. Louis-Marie Cordonnier's project in Romano-Byzantine style was selected, and work lasted from 1929 to 1954. In a style reminiscent of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, it can accommodate nearly 3,000 people and remains one of the largest basilicas built in the 20th century.