General view of Saint-Sernin

The current massive basilica church was desgined to preserve the relics of Saint Saturnin, the first bishop Toulouse, who was matyrized in 250. The construction took place between the 11th and 13th centuries, while Saint-Sernin quickly became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the West.

Bell tower and abbey portal

Nave

Aisle

North transept

Choir

When he refused to comply to the Roman rites, Saturnin was allegedly tied to a raging bull and dragged through the streets of Toulouse until his head was smashed. The current tomb of the martyr was built in 1720.

Ambulatory

The ambulatory was completed before the consecration of the church in 1096. In the lower wall the marble plaques, attributed to Bernard Gilduin, can be seen. The ambulatory tour allowed pilgrims to visit the different relics preserved at Saint-Sernin.

Christ in Majesty

Marble bas-relief, attributed to Bernard Gilduin, c. 1090-1100. Christ is surrounded by the four Evangelists.

Seraph

Marble bas-relief, attributed to Bernard Gilduin, c. 1090-1100.

Capitol in the ambulatory

Capitol in the ambulatory

Miègeville portal (1110-1115)

A magnificent and highly influential ensemble of Romanesque sculpture, with the Ascension of Christ depicted on the tympanum and the surprised apostles on the lintel.

Capitol of the Miègeville portal (1110-1115)

The Massacre of the Innocents.

Fresco in the north transept

Saint Augustine, ca. 1180.

Frescoes in the north transept

Part of the Resurrection cycle on the west wall, dating from 1180. In the centre of the ceiling is a very stylised depiction of the Mystic Lamb surrounded by angels.

Crypt