The Jacobins Convent, a jewel of medieval art

The Convent of the Jacobins is an essential milestone in the history of Toulouse in the Middle Ages, and is home to eight centuries of eventful history! It was originally founded in the 13th and 14th centuries by the Dominican order. In 1229, the Dominicans began work on the convent to facilitate their community life and integrate into the city in order to carry out their preaching missions.

The first stone of the church was laid on 24 December 1230 and the convent was completed around 1250, housing around a hundred brothers. Built in just one century, the Jacobins convent was subsequently extended several times.

The history of the Jacobins convent was a turbulent one. It was closed during the Revolution and its relics were transferred to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. In 1810, it was transformed into barracks for Napoleon's armies and a large part of it was used as stables.

The Convent was almost destroyed at this time. In 1847, the army finally left the convent and restoration work could begin. This work lasted well into the 20th century.

The Jacobins Convent in Toulouse is a veritable jewel of medieval art. This brick giant, both sober and original, boasts a unique church. Although rather austere on the outside, the church is striking on the inside for its luminosity, the lightness of its vaults and its double nave, which ends in the famous 22-ribbed stone palm.

Don't miss the relics of the Dominican Thomas Aquinas, preserved under the altar. The sublime cloister, meanwhile, offers an unrivalled view of the famous 14th-century bell tower, a nugget of southern Gothic architecture. The cloister gardens offer a cool, peaceful haven in the heart of Toulouse, particularly appreciated in summer.

The Couvent des Jacobins has also become a showcase for culture in Toulouse. The cloister, the former refectory, the chapel of the Virgin and the chapel of Saint-Antonin regularly host concerts, exhibitions, dance performances, readings and more. Don't hesitate to ask about the programme before you visit!

The Jacobins Convent offers guided tours of the building, its architecture, its history and the Middle Ages. There are also a wide range of events and themed tours to help you discover this heritage jewel in a different way. The themes are varied and fun, including trades, meals and medieval manuscripts.

If you're travelling with the family, we can't recommend the special tours enough. The Convent of the Jacobins offers exciting, fun tours for young and old alike!

Children can also discover the monument while having fun with the "Rigol'héros médiévaux" game on a digital tablet! At the Couvent des Jacobins, everything is designed to ensure that the whole family can enjoy this historic site, even the youngest!

Finally, you can also book "extraordinary" tours to discover the monument in a special way, outside opening hours! The Convent offers night-time lantern-lit tours, theatrical visits, gourmet tours and more.

Whatever your preference, find out about the dates and times of these special tours. All the information you need is available on the Convent's official website.