Augustine Convent, Toulouse
The Augustinian Convent, located in the heart of Toulouse, and fronting on Metz Street (Rue de Metz), has a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1269. Originally established for a community of Hermits of Saint Augustine outside the city walls, the convent relocated to its current central location in 1310 after receiving permission from Pope Clement V. This "new" site saw the construction of the convent throughout the 14th century, culminating in the completion of the cloister in 1396.
Despite suffering significant damage during the great fire of Toulouse in May 1463, which necessitated four decades of reconstruction, the convent was rededicated in 1504 and remained a flourishing religious community until its gradual decline over the next few centuries. In November 1789, following the French Revolution, the convent was nationalized, and by August 1795, it was repurposed as the Toulouse Museum of Art.
Today, the convent's architecture is a prominent example of medieval design, featuring a block-size brick building complex. Visitors enter through Rue de Metz, where a small reception area leads to the impressive cloister. This cloister, complete with long rows of double-column pillars, houses a garden and is surrounded by Romanesque galleries, maintaining much of its original splendor.
The museum's collections are housed primarily on the ground floor, with Romanesque and Gothic sculptures from the 12th, 14th, and 15th centuries, as well as period religious paintings. Notable features include ancient gargoyles from the Cordelier's monastery, displayed along the southern section of the cloister, giving visitors a rare close-up view. The central room of the eastern gallery is particularly striking, with tall slender columns and beautifully arched ceilings.
The museum offers a comprehensive display of fine arts in its galleries, enhancing Toulouse's cultural landscape and preserving its historical heritage within the walls of the former Augustinian Convent.
Despite suffering significant damage during the great fire of Toulouse in May 1463, which necessitated four decades of reconstruction, the convent was rededicated in 1504 and remained a flourishing religious community until its gradual decline over the next few centuries. In November 1789, following the French Revolution, the convent was nationalized, and by August 1795, it was repurposed as the Toulouse Museum of Art.
Today, the convent's architecture is a prominent example of medieval design, featuring a block-size brick building complex. Visitors enter through Rue de Metz, where a small reception area leads to the impressive cloister. This cloister, complete with long rows of double-column pillars, houses a garden and is surrounded by Romanesque galleries, maintaining much of its original splendor.
The museum's collections are housed primarily on the ground floor, with Romanesque and Gothic sculptures from the 12th, 14th, and 15th centuries, as well as period religious paintings. Notable features include ancient gargoyles from the Cordelier's monastery, displayed along the southern section of the cloister, giving visitors a rare close-up view. The central room of the eastern gallery is particularly striking, with tall slender columns and beautifully arched ceilings.
The museum offers a comprehensive display of fine arts in its galleries, enhancing Toulouse's cultural landscape and preserving its historical heritage within the walls of the former Augustinian Convent.
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Augustine Convent on Map
Sight Name: Augustine Convent
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toulouse, France
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Toulouse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
Toulouse's historical center is full of architectural marvels, many of which are churches. The variety of basilicas, cathedrals, and cloisters built in the city throughout the 11th-19th centuries is complemented by the richness of styles serving as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Toulouse
It doesn't take an architectural expert to appreciate the beauty of Toulouse's historic buildings. Walking the city's streets one can't help admiring the galore of ancient architecture which has earned Toulouse, since as early as the 16th century, the title of "the most beautiful city in France".
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pub Crawl of Toulouse
There are some really great little pubs in Toulouse. This guide helps you find a few of the local favourites, one pint after the other. Discover good craic at Mulligans and The Killarney; be amazed at what's on tap at Bar l'Ancienne Belgique and Bar La Tireuse; and put the English back in...