Want to create your own “Da Vinci Code” tour this summer? Here are some of the important locales–both in Paris and elsewhere–you might want to visit on your “Da Vinci Code” trip.
– The Louvre: Perhaps the world’s best-known museum, the Louvre is the setting for the murder of fictional Louvre curator Jacques Sauniere, the catalyst for the events that transpire in the book and film. The official Louvre Web site is louvre.fr.
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– Saint-Sulpice: The 17th Century Jesuit-style structure is known for its intricate carvings inside and also features a narrow copper strip or “gnonom,” which the book refers to as “the Rose Line.” A scientific instrument, it was installed to help determine the equinoxes.
– Chateau de Villette: This 17th Century residence portrays the home of fictional British historian Sir Leigh Teabing (Ian Mc-Kellen) in the film. It was here that Teabing revealed the secret of the Da Vinci Code, the story of the Holy Grail and the relationship of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Not shy about cashing in on the chateau’s newfound fame, the owners have put together a five-night “Da Vinci Code” package that includes day visits to Paris to see sights in the book and several meals. Cost is from about $4,965, airfare not included. Online at: thedavincicode chateau.com/daVinciCode Tour.htm.
– Temple Church: Tourists flock to the 12th Century London church built by the Knights Templar off Fleet Street looking for knights’ effigies and a knight’s tomb lacking an orb. The Master of the Temple, Robin Griffith-Jones, gives talks on “The Da Vinci Code” at 1 p.m. Fridays. At www.templechurch.com, he writes that the real stories of Opus Dei, the Last Supper, the Templars and the Gnostics “are just as exciting and moving and often just as baffling” as the fictional tales in the book.
– Westminster Abbey: The 11th Century Gothic church is the final resting place of Sir Isaac Newton, which is its connection to “Code.” Newton’s tomb holds the key to the riddle “In London lies a knight a pope interred.” Visit westminster-abbey.org.
– Lincoln Cathedral: Director Ron Howard shot many scenes in the Lincolnshire countryside and used this imposing cathedral as a stand-in for Westminster Abbey. Go to visitlincolnshire.com and lincolncathedral.com.
– Burghley House: This grand Elizabethan home in Lincolnshire has a role in the film as the papal summer home, Castel Gandolfo. But the sprawling estate also provided multiple locations including the garages at Chateau Villette and Sauniere’s country retreat and a 14th Century French village. The Burghley Web site (burghley.co.uk) says the film crew of about 300 people was on site for five weeks. Open for public tours, the home’s extensive art collections includes paintings, tapestries, ceramics and furniture.
– Rosslyn Chapel: The 500-year-old chapel 6 miles south of Edinburgh, Scotland, is famed for its intricate medieval stonework that covers the walls and ceiling–aptly described as “tapestry in stone.” The prominent Mason’s Pillar and the Apprentice Pillar here play roles in the book and film. Long before “Code,” the Holy Grail legend and Knights Templar have been associated with the chapel. The official Web site is rosslynchapel.org.uk. For more on Scottish Knights Templar, go to rosslyntemplars.org.uk.