Riddling The Da Vinci Code

Web Sites

The places named in the novel, such as Rosslyn Chapel, have seen tremendous growth in their count of both visitors and donations.3 London and Paris tour operators have created special Da Vinci Codetours that take devoted readers through Westminster Abbey, Temple Church, the Louvre, and other landmarks. The opportunity to look for clues and signs from the novel is a major selling point for the tour operators. An Internet search for “Da Vinci Code tours” reveals that even a traditional travel Web site, such as Fodors, created an itinerary for Da Vinci Code fans.4 The following Web sites highlight the works of art and architecture mentioned in the novel.

Louvre Museum, www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home_flash.jsp?bmLocale=en
The story begins and ends at the Louvre, the original structure of which was built in the late twelfth century as a fortress and palace. The twentieth-century renovation that added I. M. Pei’s pyramid takes on new meaning in the novel.

Rosslyn Chapel, www.rosslynchapel.org.uk
This church, which was founded in 1446, is filled with intricate and mysterious carvings that many identify with Freemasonry and the Knights Templar.

Temple Church, London, www.templechurch.com
This London church was built by the Knights Templar in the twelfth century, the reason that Langdon’s first guess led him there.

Westminster Abbey, www.westminster-abbey.org
Although it is not a parish church or a cathedral, it is “Royal Peculiar” under the jurisdiction of a dean and chapter, subject only to the sovereign. It is also the site of the tomb of Sir Isaac Newton.

Correspondence concerning the column should be addressed to Neal Wyatt, Collection Management Senior Librarian, Chesterfield County Public Library, 9501 Lori Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832; e-mail: wyattn@chesterfield.gov.

Terry Beck is the Adult/Teen Services Manager at the Sno-Isle Library system in Washington State.

References

1. Janet Maslin, “Spinning a Thriller From a Gallery at the Louvre,” review of The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown, New York Times Late Edition (East coast) (Mar. 17, 2003): E8; Frank Sennett, review of The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown, Booklist (Mar. 1, 2003) retrieved via Proquest database (accessed Jan. 1, 2007).
2. Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code (New York: Anchor Bks., 2003).
3. Stuart Beattie, “Farewell from Stuart Beattie.” (accessed Jan. 1, 2007).
4. Chris Culwell, “A Da Vinci Code Tour.”(accessed Jan. 1, 2007).

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