Saint Denis, born in the 3rd century, is considered the first bishop of Paris.
According to Christian tradition, he was sent to Gaul by the Pope to evangelize the local peoples.
With his companions, Rustique and Éleuthère, he actively preached Christianity in the Paris region.
A victim of Roman persecution, he was arrested and beheaded around the year 250 on the hill of Montmartre.
A legend says that after his beheading, Denis walked holding his head to the current location of the Basilica of Saint-Denis.
It became an important place of pilgrimage, housing the tombs of the kings of France.
He is venerated as a martyr and patron saint of Paris.
His feast day is celebrated on October 9.
