Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Basilica of Saint-Sernin Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse Basilica de Sant Sarnin de Tolosa
Western entrance of the basilica.
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Minor basilica
Year consecrated	1096
Location
Location	Toulouse
Architecture
Architectural style	Romanesque
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iv, vi
Designated	1998 (22nd session)
Parent listing	Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
Reference no.	868
State Party	France
Region	Europe and North America

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin (in Occitan: Basilica de Sant Sarnin) is a famous church in Toulouse, France. It used to be the main church of the Abbey of Saint-Sernin. Today, only the church building remains. This amazing church stands where an older church from the 4th century once stood. That first church held the body of Saint Saturnin (or Sernin), who was the first bishop of Toulouse around the year 250. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is especially known for its beautiful and detailed Romanesque sculptures. In 1998, UNESCO added it to their list of World Heritage Sites. It's part of the important Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France, which are paths pilgrims took.

History of Saint-Sernin
Features of the Basilica
- Exterior
- Interior
Images for kids
See also

History of Saint-Sernin

The Abbey of Saint-Sernin is a very old place. Saint Sylvius, who was a bishop of Toulouse, started building the first church here in the late 300s.

Its importance grew a lot after Charlemagne (who ruled from 768 to 800) gave many relics to it. Because of this, it became a key stop for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. It also became a pilgrimage site itself. The large size of the current building and its special walkway (called an ambulatory) show that it was built to welcome many pilgrims.

It's tricky to know the exact timeline for building Saint-Sernin and its sculptures. But we know that by the 1010s, Bishop Pierre Roger was saving money from offerings to rebuild the older church. By the 1070s, the church leaders had agreed to follow the rules of Saint Augustine. They also placed themselves directly under the Pope's control.

There are two main dates that help us understand the church's building history. On May 24, 1096, Pope Urban II dedicated the altar of the church. At this time, the building was still mostly unfinished. This date tells us that construction must have started several years before 1096.

The second important date is July 3, 1118. This was when Saint Raymond Gayrard, a church leader, died. A story from the 1400s says he took charge of the building after part of it was done. It also says that by the time he died, the walls were built up to the windows. However, this story was written much later. Also, several people named Raymond were involved in the building. So, the story might mix up details from different people.

Building the church likely didn't happen all at once. There's proof that construction stopped and started several times. Old writings suggest building started from the east and moved west. The oldest parts of the outer walls are the lower southern parts of the ambulatory and its chapels. These sections use a mix of brick and stone, with more stone. As building continued, more brick was used. Brick is a common building material in Toulouse.

Experts have studied the church's construction. After Viollet-le-Duc restored it, early studies suggested three main building periods. More recent studies say there were four main periods.

The first part built was the apse (the rounded end) and the lower part of the transept (the arms of the cross shape). This includes the Porte des Comtes (Counts' Door). The second stage finished the transept walls using alternating layers of brick and stone. The style of the decorated carvings inside also changed. The third stage built the rest of the nave (the main part of the church). It used mostly brick with stone corners and window frames. This part includes the western entrance. The fourth and final stage finished the rest of the nave, using almost no stone.

The design of this church was also used for the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. That cathedral, started in 1082, was a very close copy. It was likely built by the same architect or a student from Saint-Sernin.

In 1860, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the church. However, some of his changes are now being removed to bring back the church's original look.

Features of the Basilica

East end of the basilica.

The crypt, a hidden underground room.

The grand 1888 Cavaillé-Coll organ.

Even though it's called a basilica, Saint-Sernin is a bit different from early Christian basilicas. It's much bigger, measuring 104 meters (about 341 feet) long. It's also built mostly of brick. The building is shaped like a crucifix, which is a cross. The ceilings are vaulted, meaning they are curved, unlike many older churches.

Saint-Sernin has special chapels called "radiating chapels." These were used to show important relics. Another difference from older churches is the addition of an ambulatory. This is a walkway that goes around the main part of the church (the nave) and its side aisles. It allowed pilgrims to view the chapels without disturbing church services. Because of these features, Saint-Sernin is often said to follow the "pilgrimage plan" instead of the traditional basilica plan.

Exterior

On the outside, the bell tower is the most noticeable part. It stands right over the middle of the church, where the transept crosses the nave. It has five levels. The bottom three levels, with their Romanesque arches, are from the 12th century. The top two levels were added in the 13th century (around 1270). The pointy top part (the spire) was added in the 15th century. The bell tower leans slightly to the west. This makes its roof, which is straight, look like it's leaning compared to the tower itself.

The chevet is the oldest part of the building. It was built in the 11th century. It has nine chapels: five open from the apse (the rounded end) and four are in the transepts (the arms of the cross).

The exterior is also known for two famous doorways: the Porte des Comtes (Counts' Door) and the Porte Miègeville. Above the Porte des Comtes is a carving showing Lazarus and Dives. You can see Dives in hell above the middle column. The door is named after a nearby space where the remains of four Counts of Toulouse are kept. The Porte Miègeville is famous for its detailed sculpture above the entrance. It shows Christ rising to heaven, surrounded by beautiful angels. This is one of the oldest and most stunning carvings in Romanesque architecture (from the late 11th century or around 1115).

Porte Miègeville
Tympanum of the Porte Miègeville
Saint Peter
Saint James the Great
Two shepherds slaying lions
King David playing the rebec
Simon the magician, the demons and the birth of the vine
The Massacre of the Holy Innocents
The Annunciation and Visitation of the Virgin Mary
Adam and Eve being chased out of the Garden of Eden

Interior

The inside of the basilica is huge for a Romanesque church. It measures 115 meters (377 feet) long, 64 meters (210 feet) wide, and 21 meters (69 feet) high. The central nave has a barrel vault ceiling, which is a continuous arch. The four aisles (side passages) have rib vaults and are supported by buttresses (supports).

Right under the tower and the transept is a marble altar. Pope Urban II dedicated it in 1096. It was designed by Bernard Gelduin.

Besides Saint Saturnin, Saint Honoratus is also buried here. The crypt, an underground room, holds relics of many other saints.

The basilica also has a large pipe organ built in 1888 by Cavaillé-Coll. It has three manuals (keyboards). This organ, along with others in Paris and Rouen, is considered one of the most important organs in France. Alexandre Guilmant played it for the first time on April 3, 1889. From 1992 to 1996, organ builders Jean-Loup Boisseau, Bertrand Cattiaux, and Patrice Bellet restored it. The current main organist is Michel Bouvard.