Basilique Saint-Sernin

This cathedral built in 11 century. It is UNESCO world heritage site for Toulouse. It was the abbey for Saint Sernin. The abbey did not survive, only the church remains. It is an important stop for the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela.

This cathedral has unique bell tower. It is the first thing you spot when you get close to the church. This church has a lot relic collection. No wonder is the pilgrims visited place. The collection of saints' bone can be found as relic. The crypt is the location for most of the relic.

The church has semicircular round ceiling in compare to many churches are vaulted ceiling. The church display a lot of statues. Some of statues are Saint Roch, Louis of Toulouse, and more. These statues are famous people. Visit the church only need 1 hour.

This had been on my bucket list of places to visit in Toulouse because it is part of the Compostela route and UNESCO designated. Upon entering, it is easy to see why.

First, measures were taken to ensure proper social distancing by putting lines on the floor to direct traffic. The frescoes are in excellent shape and worth seeing. Everything in the basilica is well preserved.

If you only visit one thing In Toulouse you must visit the Basilique Saint-Sernin. (Actually if you only visit one thing in Toulouse you have been very foolish and have deprived yourself of some marvelous experiences, but you know that). Saint-Sernin is the largest remaining Romanesque Church in the world. Although there are still many smaller Romanesque churches, with the exception of Saint-Sernin older cathedrals were rebuilt in the Gothic style so it of real interest to see a really large Romanesque structure. Saint-Sernin lacks the soaring ceilings and large glass windows of Gothic Cathedrals but it has its own beauty. The current Cathedral is over 1000 years old but there have been churches on this site since the early Christian Era. When we lived in Toulouse our apartment was near Saint-Sernin and we attended some masses there. Although not a Catholic nor particularly religious, I always make it a point to attend church when abroad as it provides me a real sense of place. It gives me a frisson to attend a religious service in a church which is over a thousand years old. Since my heritage is partially French although from the north not near Toulouse in the south west, it was particularly meaningful for me. Although my French is not good I was able to follow and participate in the services. Very few people in France attend church these days and we were made to feel very welcome. I will always have a warm feeling when I think of Saint-Sernin.