Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Basilica of Saint Michael of Bordeaux

Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
District	Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bordeaux
Location
Location	Bordeaux, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Architecture
Architectural type	Minor basilica
Architectural style	Gothic
Spire height	114 metres (374 ft)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Part of Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
Criteria	Cultural: (ii), (iv), (vi)
Inscription	1998 (22nd Session)

The Basilica of St Michael (or Basilique Saint-Michel in French) is a beautiful church in Bordeaux, France. It was built in a special style called Flamboyant Gothic. This means it has very fancy and flame-like decorations.

In 1998, a group called UNESCO added this church to its World Heritage Site list. This list includes places that are very important to the world. The Basilica of St Michael is part of the "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France". These are old pilgrimage routes. Two other churches in Bordeaux, the Basilica of St Severinus and the Cathedral of St Andrew, are also on this list.

What is the History of the Basilica?
What Does the Basilica Look Like?
- The Tall Bell Tower
What is the Legend of the Mummies?
Gallery
See also

What is the History of the Basilica?

This amazing church was built a long time ago. Construction started in the late 1300s and finished in the 1500s. It stands in the very old part of Bordeaux called Saint-Michel.

The church has been recognized as important for a long time. In 1846, it became a Historic Monument. This means it is protected by the French government. Later, in 1903, it was given the title of a minor basilica. This is a special honor from the Pope. Then, in 1998, it became a World Heritage Site, as mentioned before.

What Does the Basilica Look Like?

Inside the church, you can see a special carving called a pulpit. It shows Saint Michael fighting and defeating a dragon. This is a famous story.

The church used to have beautiful stained-glass windows. Sadly, these windows were destroyed during a bombing in 1940.

The Tall Bell Tower

One of the most famous parts of the Basilica of St Michael is its bell tower. It stands separate from the main church building. This tower is very tall, reaching 114 meters (about 374 feet) into the sky! It was built in the 1400s.

You can actually visit the tower and climb to the top. It is open to visitors every day from April to October. From the top, you can get amazing views of Bordeaux.

What is the Legend of the Mummies?

For many years, there was a unique display at the Basilica of St Michael. From the late 1700s until 1979, more than 60 naturally preserved bodies were shown in the crypt.

These bodies were found in 1791 in the old church graveyard. The graveyard was full, so people were moving the remains to underground tunnels called catacombs. During this process, they discovered these bodies that had become naturally mummified. This means they were preserved without any special treatment.

In 1881, an even older cemetery from Roman times was found under the tower. It also contained some naturally preserved bodies. The preserved bodies were later moved to another cemetery in 1979.