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Church · Toulouse, Occitânia
Basilique Saint-Sernin
One of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe, built from the end of the 11th century to house the relics of São Saturnino, with an octagonal brick bell tower.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilique Saint-Sernin
Basilique Saint-Sernin is Toulouse's most important church and one of the largest Romanesque churches to have survived in Europe. It was erected from the end of the 11th century over the tomb of Saturnin, or Sernin, the city's first bishop, who died in the 3rd century.
On the outside, the octagonal brick bell tower with tiers of arches is striking and can be seen from afar. The chevet, with chapels stepped up to the tower, is one of the most photographed spots. The Porte Miègeville, on the south side, has Romanesque sculptures from the early 12th century.
Inside there are five naves leading to the choir, where a gilded wooden and marble baldachin stands. The crypt and the ambulatory hold reliquaries of various saints, evidence of the time when the basilica was a stop on pilgrimages.
Saint-Sernin was an important stop on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and, for that reason, is part of the site Caminhos de Santiago de Compostela na França, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour, including the crypt.
Best time
In the morning, when light enters through the nave. Avoid mass times if you want to circulate inside. On Sunday mornings there is a street market around the church.
How to get there
It is about 500 metres north of the Place du Capitole, along the Rue du Taur. The nearest metro station is Jeanne d'Arc (line B).
Tip
Access to the crypt and the ambulatory has its own rules and opening hours; check at the entrance. The Musée Saint-Raymond, an archaeology museum, is on the other side of the square and pairs well with the visit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilique Saint-Sernin
Why is Saint-Sernin a World Heritage Site?
Because it was an important stop on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela; the basilica is included in the UNESCO property that groups monuments along that route in France.
Who was Saint Saturnin?
Saturnin, or Sernin, was the first bishop of Toulouse, killed in the 3rd century. The basilica was built to house his relics.
What not to miss on the visit?
The octagonal bell tower, the apse with its chapels, the Porte Miègeville with Romanesque sculptures, and the crypt with reliquaries.
Is it far from the Capitole?
No. It's about a 500-metre walk along Rue du Taur.