• Blockbuster 'Da Vinci Code' has fans on the chase

Jacques Brinon / AP (ENLARGE)
The glass pyramid designed by architect I.M. Pei at the Louvre in Paris.
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Before you see "The Da Vinci Code," familiarize yourself with these important locales:

The Louvre: Perhaps the world's best-known museum, the Louvre was built as a fortress on the western edge of Paris on the River Seine in the 12th century. It has since been the residence of François I and the palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV, and a museum since 1793. I.M. Pei's glass pyramid opened in 1989. The murder of fictional Louvre curator Jacques Saunière in the Denon Wing of the museum is the catalyst for the events that transpire in book and film. The official Louvre Web site is www.louvre.fr.

Saint-Sulpice: Across the Seine from the Louvre in the Luxembourg Quarter, the cathedral is a 17th-century Jesuit-style structure that replaced a Gothic church built in the 13th century. Known for its intricate carvings inside, it 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. The Sacred Destinations Travel Guide Web site has an interesting commentary on how the church is portrayed in the book (www.sacred-destinations.com/france/paris-st-sulpice.htm).

Château de Villette: This magnificent 17th-century residence on 185 acres portrays the home of fictional British historian Sir Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen) 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, land only. For information: www.thedavincicodechateau.com/daVinciCodeTour.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 and has written a book, "Da Vinci Code and the Secrets of the Temple," published this month. On the Temple Church Web site (www.templechurch.com) he writes: "Dan Brown gives us tantalising glimpses of Opus Dei, the Last Supper, the Templars and the Gnostics: enough, among the shadows, for us to be gripped by their mysteries. It's time to draw back the veil and to see them all more fully in a brighter light. Will this destroy their mystique? On the contrary. Their real stories are just as exciting and moving and often just as baffling."

Westminster Abbey: The 11th-century Gothic church — where coronations have been held since 1066 — contains the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor and tombs of kings and queens and is also the final resting place of Sir Isaac Newton, which is its connection to the "Code." Newton's tomb holds the key to the riddle "In London lies a knight a pope interred." However, in the movie, Lincoln Cathedral in Lincolnshire in north-central England stood in for the abbey (www.westminster-abbey.org).

Lincoln Cathedral: The surviving part of the Romanesque cathedral dating to 1072 is incorporated into the imposing west front. But most of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, when it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Its celebrated carvings include the Lincoln Imp, so named because it is believed to have been sent to Earth by the devil to wreak havoc and was turned into stone by angels. Director Ron Howard shot many scenes in the Lincolnshire countryside and moved into the imposing cathedral for climactic scenes. For more information, go to www.visitlincolnshire.com and www.lincolncathedral.com.

Burghley House: This grand Elizabethan home in Lincolnshire, built between 1555 and 1587 by architect William Cecil, Lord Burghley, 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 Château Villette and Saunière's country retreat and a 14th-century French village. The Burghley Web site (www.burghley.co.uk) says the film crew of about 300 people was on site for five weeks. Set on a 10,000-acre agricultural estate, Burghley remains a family home, lived in by Lady Victoria, a direct descendant of Lord Burghley, and her husband, Simon Leatham. Open for public tours, the home's extensive art collections includes paintings, tapestries, ceramics and furniture.

Rosslyn Chapel: The 500-year-old chapel six miles south of Edinburgh, Scotland, is famed for its intricate medieval stonework that covers the walls and ceiling — aptly described as "tapestry in stone." Founded in 1446 by Sir Willliam St. Clair, it was to have been the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew. When Sir William died in 1484, he was buried in the unfinished building. The existence of underground vaults has been confirmed but not the contents of these chambers. The prominent Mason's Pillar and the Apprentice Pillar play roles in the book and film. Long before the "Code," the Holy Grail legend and Knights Templar have been associated with the chapel. The official Web site is www.rosslynchapel.org.uk. For information on Scottish Knights Templar, go to www.rosslyntemplars.org.uk.