Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

Toulouse

The largest Romanesque church still standing in the world, built from 1080 to welcome pilgrims heading to Compostela and the relics of Saint Saturninus, the first bishop of Toulouse. According to tradition, he was martyred in 250 by being tied to a bull destined for sacrifice, which dragged him to his death through the streets of the city as far as the site of the present-day church of Notre-Dame du Taur. The crypt houses one of the most important collections of relics in medieval Christendom after that of Rome — including the head of Saint James the Greater and a fragment of the Crown of Thorns — as well as two celestial maps painted in the 12th century, unusual evidence of the canons' interest in astronomy at the time.

Getting there : Free access, paid entry for the crypt

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound