Travelling in Europe, we discovered a treasure trove of majestic cathedrals. The Basilica of St Sernin in the city of Toulouse, France, was no exception. It is the largest Romanesque church in Europe. Inside we found antiquities, relics, and museum-quality frescoes.
Also famous for its Romanesque sculpture, the Basilica of St Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the list of routes to Santiago de Compostela.
Historically, the early 5th-century church built at this location encapsulated the remains of Saint Sernin, the first Bishop of Toulouse.
Violently martyred for refusing to pray to pagan gods, his relics later attracted many pilgrims. The resulting rebuilt 11th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin that we see today is a masterpiece.
Free tour of the Basilica of St Sernin
We enjoyed a free (with donation) private tour of the church.
Our guide’s knowledge of the history, art, and other features was impressive, and his enthusiasm contagious.
We found our guide at a table near the entrance. If the guides are available when you arrive, we highly recommend taking this tour before exploring on your own.
Highlights of the Basilica in photos
More information on the Basilica of St Sernin in Toulouse
- The main church of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is typically open daily from 8:45 am. Closing times vary by day and season. Check times on their official website.
- There is a small fee to enter the crypt and ambulatory; both have varied opening hours.
- You can visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin on its own or as part of a city tour. Reserve your private walking tour here.
- Located in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France, there are plenty of things to do in Toulouse.
- We visited during the Pyrenees portion of our road trip through Spain and southern France.
Mary
I am such a sucker for this type of architecture. It is so majestic!
Rhonda Albom
Me too. I just loved this place.
Sandy N Vyjay
Toulouse looks fabulous. The Basilica looks really exquisite. Brought back memories of the Vatican as well as St. Peter’s Basilica. We really love Roman architecture and sculpture. They transport you into a different and ethereal world of beauty.
Rhonda Albom
I will admit, that compared to St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Sernin really doesn’t stack up.
Nuria Travelera
Fabulous photos of the Basilica! If I go pass Toulouse again, Surely I will stop and go in the Cathedral to visit!
Have a lovely day
Nuria
Rhonda Albom
You must stop here. Toulouse is a city worth exploring, and this is the its crown jewel.
Kim-Ling Richardson
These photos are stunning! I love basilicas and all the details and stories they hold. I like that they offer a free tour (with donation). It’s amazing that the frescos were discovered under the plaster, still so in tact! They look incredible. We just bought Lightroom and I’m so excited to use it (but also quite overwhelmed!)
Rhonda Albom
I hope that free tour continues, it really brought the history to life.
Cai Dominguez
This is surely worth visiting in France. I literally say WOW when I saw your photos. Its so beautiful, the architecture is amazing!
Rhonda Albom
Toulouse is such an interesting city, an eclectic mix of the old and the modern aerospace industry neatly mixed in one city.
Megan Jerrard
Europe really does have some of the most majestic cathedrals. I would love to visit The Basilica of St Sernin – I think it’s a work of art which can be appreciate even when you’re not religious. Will have to make it to Toulouse!
Rhonda Albom
I am sure you two will make it to Toulouse some day.
Mei from Travel with Mei and Kerstin
We’ve been to many places in France, but haven’t made it to Toulouse yet. When we will, we’ll certianly go to the Basilica of St Sernin. Thank you for your stunning pictures!
Rhonda Albom
I am surprised how few of the readers here have been to Toulouse. It was a natural place to visit on the route we took.
Katherine
I agree that Europe has a treasure trove of cathedrals and this one meets every expectation of being a majestic cathedral. Loved the photos showing how magnificent it is.
Tanvi Nadkarni
I’m off to Spain and I’m glad I came across this post.. I hope I can squeeze this place in my trip 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Toulouse is only a couple of hours from the Spanish border.
Kavey Favelle
It looks really beautiful! I love the red brick on the exterior, the rich detail of the carves stone inside and out, and the amazing painted friezes inside. Lovely to have a guide who could give you the history to put it all into context.
Rhonda Albom
The guide really brought it all to life, and his English was perfect.
Mimi's Migration
I am from France but have never been to Toulouse, but this post made me really want to go! It looks beautiful. I appreciate all the information that you wrote about too! Well done!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – what are you waiting for?
Rhonda Albom
It is full of history and artwork. I really enjoyed visiting it.
Sharon
Breathtaking! We are thinking of planning a future trip to Europe in the small areas of France. This should go on our list!
Rhonda Albom
We drove through the Pyrenees and Midi-Pyrenees regions, they were wonderful.
Pat
I am inspired t o research the story of St Sernin after seeing this magnificent basilica devoted to him, Rhonda! It is full of such ancient religious treasures. The frescos and sarcophagus are exquisite. I would love to hear how that organ sounds.
Rhonda Albom
Warning, there is a graphic and bloody element to his death. Being tied to a bull and dragged down the streets did not end well for him.
Jeanna
It’s hard to even fathom something this old. Frescos were covered in a layer of plaster? I love the sarcophagus, transept of Saint Sernin and the portal sculptures. Well all of it really, but especially those.
Rhonda Albom
I wondered what they were thinking when they covered those detailed paintings.
tara tyler
first, so glad you’re traveling again! gorgeous pics
and it always amazes me how detailed and what grandeur there is in the historic architecture and artwork of europe
ps – you’re brave to travel these days, what is the mood of the cities and people in europe? (then i read these were from 2012? or just some of them? either way…)
happy july!
Rhonda Albom
In general, we are travelling again, just on a break due to Sarah’s injured knee. We plan to go to South America later in the year, and last year we hit 9 countries.
Deb Nance
I’m struck by the age of this church and the time invested in it. I keep thinking about our local Catholic church and its current fund drive. A million dollars would have gone far back then.
Rhonda Albom
It always impresses me what how much time people used to take on the detail, too bad it is rarely done this way anymore.
Lisa
How beautiful! What a wonderful place to visit.
Rhonda Albom
It is a like stepping into a different world.
Bill
What a stunning church, I would love to cover that in my Church Explorer blog but not having a passport any more stops me now so I’ll stick with the ones in the UK. those frescos are amazing
Rhonda Albom
Can’t you renew your passport?
Patrick weseman
A place that I would love to visit. Very beautiful photos and I love everything about it. Thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
Europe is filled with so many incredible cathedrals and churches, and this one is really special.
noel
I’ve always wanted to visit this city and explore, it really looks like my kind of place to explore, thanks for sharing it.
Rhonda Albom
Based on what I know of you from your blog, I would agree. You will love Toulouse.
plaridel
most definitely, an interesting place to visit. should be in my travel bucket list. thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
Toulouse is such an interesting city, and St Sernin Basilica is only one of the highlights.
Teresa Kindred
That is so cool and you are so lucky to get to explore it!
Sandee
I love all three. What a beautiful piece of history.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Me too Sandee, and I agree, this is a magnificent piece of European and religious history.
Carol
It is indeed a gorgeous church and I love all the fascinating details. I truly enjoyed visiting it with you and wish I could see it in person.
stevebethere
Loved these it’s huge interesting description my fave pi is the look to the east 🙂
Have an artistictastic week Rhonda 🙂
PS: Didn’t know if you was aware your url has been blank over at mine when you comment lately
ladyfi
Fascinating and beautiful!