The Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural gem

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin was originally built to house the relics of Saint-Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse. In the 11th century, the influx of pilgrims to the tomb of the holy martyr made it necessary to build a new, much larger church.

And so, in the 1070s, the foundation stone was laid for the immense basilica that now welcomes us. The name Saturnin has undergone many changes over the centuries to become Sernin today.

It was a monumental project for its time, starting at the end of the 11th century and finishing at the end of the 13th century. Today, the Basilique Saint-Sernin is a symbol of southern Romanesque architecture, as it is the largest preserved Romanesque building in France! And even today, the basilica is a popular stop-off on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela!

A visit to the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must in Toulouse. As well as its fascinating history, its architecture is remarkable. Whether you're a believer or a non-believer, a heritage enthusiast or simply curious, this basilica is so majestic that it's an invitation to meditate.

The first thing to do when visiting the Basilica is simply to contemplate its architecture! It's impressive and intriguing from the outside, because the Basilica of Saint-Sernin has a very special architecture that makes it unique.

The lower part of the basilica is Romanesque, while the upper part and its famous bell tower are Gothic. Before entering the basilica, be sure to walk all the way round the building - even the back is worth a visit!

Once inside, this is where the magic really happens! You are literally speechless in front of the immensity of the nave, which stretches for 115 metres (the equivalent of a football pitch!) and its 21-metre high vault (that's a small 7-storey building!). These impressive dimensions were designed to accommodate the many pilgrims of the time.

Get up close and admire the barrel vault resting on 260 sculpted capitals and leading to the choir and its gilded wood and marble baldachin. A real showstopper, this sublime baldachin is reminiscent of some you can see in Rome! Finally, you'll discover moving medieval frescoes in the richly decorated transepts.

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is steeped in history and fascinating anecdotes. To make sure you don't miss out on any of the main points of interest, you can download an online guide map from the Basilica's official website.

A discovery trail has been set up to take you to the major points of interest in this emblematic monument. Each point represents a different viewpoint on the building, its history, its function and the community that inhabits it and brings it to life! In short, it's an instructive tour that's sure to take your breath away!