Basilique St Sernin

The Basilique Saint-Sernin is a Romanesque church in Toulouse, France, and one of the largest Romanesque buildings in the western world. It was built in honor of Saint Saturnin, the first Bishop of Toulouse, between the 11th and 13th centuries. The church features an elegant apse, staggered chapels, and an octagonal bell tower, typical of Toulouse architecture. Inside, there are 5 large vaulted naves that converge on the choir and a gilded wood and marble canopy. The basilica is also home to a treasure trove of relics and is a former stopover on the Pilgrim’s Way of St James, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is known for its Romanesque sculpture, including the tympanum, the Miègeville door, and the capitals. The Miègeville door features a Pyrenean marble tympanum depicting the Ascension of Christ, surrounded by angels and the twelve apostles