Basilica of Saint Sernin, Toulouse (must see)
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse is a historic church located on the site of a previous basilica of the 4th century which contained the body of Saint Sernin, the first bishop of Toulouse around the year 250. Noted for its exceptional Romanesque sculpture, the church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 as part of the Routes of Saint James in France.
The original basilica, initiated by Saint Sylvius in the 4th century, was part of the Abbey of Saint Sernin and gained prominence after King Charlemagne's donation of relics, making it a key pilgrimage site.
The current basilica 鈥� featuring Romanesque style 鈥� was built in the early 12th century. Its construction continued over the centuries with many fits and starts and is estimated to have comprised at least four major building undertakings. Curiously enough, 19th-century restorations are now being reversed to preserve the church's original design.
Although called 鈥渂asilica鈥�, Saint-Sernin diverges from traditional early Christian basilica plans, incorporating features of the so-called "pilgrimage plan." Notably larger than its predecessors, at 104 meters long, and predominantly built of brick, its design includes a cruciform shape and vaulted ceilings. Unlike earlier churches, Saint-Sernin features an ambulatory and radiating chapels that house important relics, allowing visitors to view them without disrupting ongoing masses.
The basilica's exterior is marked by a bell tower with Romanesque arches from the 12th century and a 15th-century spire. Key external features include the Comtes Gate and the elaborately sculpted Miegeville Gate. Internally, the vast space is structured with a barrel-vaulted nave and rib-vaulted aisles. The basilica also houses a significant Cavaill茅-Coll organ, among France's most important.
Tips:
While there is no admission charge, donations are welcome.
The original basilica, initiated by Saint Sylvius in the 4th century, was part of the Abbey of Saint Sernin and gained prominence after King Charlemagne's donation of relics, making it a key pilgrimage site.
The current basilica 鈥� featuring Romanesque style 鈥� was built in the early 12th century. Its construction continued over the centuries with many fits and starts and is estimated to have comprised at least four major building undertakings. Curiously enough, 19th-century restorations are now being reversed to preserve the church's original design.
Although called 鈥渂asilica鈥�, Saint-Sernin diverges from traditional early Christian basilica plans, incorporating features of the so-called "pilgrimage plan." Notably larger than its predecessors, at 104 meters long, and predominantly built of brick, its design includes a cruciform shape and vaulted ceilings. Unlike earlier churches, Saint-Sernin features an ambulatory and radiating chapels that house important relics, allowing visitors to view them without disrupting ongoing masses.
The basilica's exterior is marked by a bell tower with Romanesque arches from the 12th century and a 15th-century spire. Key external features include the Comtes Gate and the elaborately sculpted Miegeville Gate. Internally, the vast space is structured with a barrel-vaulted nave and rib-vaulted aisles. The basilica also houses a significant Cavaill茅-Coll organ, among France's most important.
Tips:
While there is no admission charge, donations are welcome.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toulouse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Basilica of Saint Sernin on Map
Sight Name: Basilica of Saint Sernin
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toulouse, France
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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".
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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
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
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
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
Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets
Like many other cities in France and Southern France in particular, Toulouse boasts a delightful array of shopping areas. At Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, you can find exclusive French items for sale - no problem; however, to discover some truly great bargains 鈥� from organic vegetables to antiques, 鈥� a visit to Toulouse's street markets is a must.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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