La Madeleine had several false building starts in the 18th and 19th centuries before becoming a Roman Catholic church in 1842 that’s dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. Its Neo-Classical style, with 52 Corinthian columns and pediment of the Last Judgment, give it a classic, Roman temple appearance. The funeral of Frédéric Chopin, the famous Polish composer, was conducted within the lavish interior in 1849.
