The largest surviving Romanesque church in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage stage of the Camino de Santiago.
Saint-Sernin was built from about 1080 to the 14th century over the tomb of Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse. The brick and stone basilica has five aisles, a transept with an ambulatory and an octagonal bell tower with five receding stages that rises to about 64 metres. It is the largest remaining Romanesque church in Europe and was inscribed by UNESCO in 1998 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Inside, the crypt holds relics in reliquaries and the carved Porte Miegeville on the south side is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. A large organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll dates from 1889.
| Admission | Free (~$0); crypt and upper gallery about EUR 3-4 (~$3.45-4.60) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Basilica typically daily about 8:30-18:00 (Sunday services limit visits); crypt and ambulatory usually 10:00-17:30 |
| Typical visit | 45-75 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday morning, outside Sunday Mass |
| Getting there | Metro line A to Capitole then 10 minutes on foot; or Tisséo bus stop Saint-Sernin |
| Address | Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France |
Location
Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France
43.6084, 1.4420 View on map
Highlights
- Five-aisle Romanesque nave
- Octagonal bell tower
- Crypt with relics
- Porte Miegeville carved portal
- UNESCO Camino de Santiago listing
Tips for visiting
- Enter the crypt and ambulatory for the relics; ticket desk is inside the south transept.
- Avoid Sunday morning, when Mass restricts movement.
- Walk round the apse outside for the best brickwork view.
- Organ concerts are posted on the basilica website.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quiet; late afternoon light enters the apse windows.
Accessibility
The nave has step-free access via the west door; the crypt and gallery are reached by stairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint-Sernin free?
Entry to the nave is free. The crypt and upper gallery carry a small separate fee.
How old is it?
Construction began around 1080 and the main building was largely complete by the 13th century.