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{{short description|Large Romanesque-style building in France}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
|building_name=Basilica of Saint-Sernin<br /><small>{{lang|fr|Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse}}</small><br/><small>{{lang|oc|Basilica de Sant Sarnin de Tolosa}}
|building_name=Basilica of Saint-Sernin<br /><small>{{lang|fr|Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse}}</small><br/><small>{{lang|oc|Basilica de Sant Sarnin de Tolosa}}</small>
| image=Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse - exposition ouest-1-.jpg
| image=Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse - exposition ouest-1-.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| image_size = 300px
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| geo={{coord|43.6084|N|1.4420|E|type:landmark_region:FR|display=inline,title}}
| geo={{coord|43.6084|N|1.4420|E|type:landmark_region:FR|display=inline,title}}
| religious_affiliation=[[Roman Catholic]]
| religious_affiliation=[[Roman Catholic]]
| consecration_year=1180
| consecration_year=1096
| status=[[Minor basilica]]
| status=[[Minor basilica]]
| architecture_style=[[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]]
| architecture_style=[[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]]
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| designation1_type = Cultural
| designation1_type = Cultural
| designation1_criteria = ii, iv, vi
| designation1_criteria = ii, iv, vi
| designation1_number = [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/868 868]
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/868 868]
| designation1_free1name = State Party
| designation1_free1name = State Party
| designation1_free1value = France
| designation1_free1value = France
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}}
}}


The '''Basilica of Saint-Sernin''' ([[Occitan]]: ''Basilica de Sant Sarnin'') is a church in [[Toulouse]], [[France]], the former abbey church of the '''Abbey of Saint-Sernin''' or '''St Saturnin'''. Apart from the church, none of the abbey buildings remain. The current church is located on the site of a previous [[basilica]] of the 4th century which contained the body of [[Saturnin|Saint Saturnin]] or Sernin, the first [[bishop of Toulouse]] in c. 250. Constructed in the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style between about 1080 and 1120, with construction continuing thereafter, Saint-Sernin is the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe, if not the world.<ref>[http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/toulouse-st-sernin Saint-Sernin Basilica, Toulouse] ''Sacred Destinations''</ref><ref>[http://europeupclose.com/article/toulouses-saint-sernin-largest-romanesque-church-in-europe/ Toulouse’s Saint Sernin, Largest Romanesque Church in Europe] ''Europe Close''</ref> The church is particularly noted for the quality and quantity of its Romanesque sculpture. In 1998 the basilica was added to the [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] under the description: [[World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France]].
The '''Basilica of Saint-Sernin''' ([[Occitan language|Occitan]]: ''Basilica de Sant Sarnin'') is a church in [[Toulouse]], [[France]], the former [[abbey]] [[church (building)|church]] of the '''Abbey of Saint-Sernin''' or '''St Saturnin'''. Apart from the church, none of the abbey buildings remain. The current church is located on the site of a previous [[basilica]] of the 4th century which contained the body of [[Saturnin|Saint Saturnin]] or Sernin, the first [[bishop of Toulouse]] in c. 250. The church is particularly noted for the quality and quantity of its Romanesque sculpture. In 1998 the basilica was added to the [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] under the description: [[World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France]].


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Toulouse - Kathedrale.JPG|thumb|240px]]
[[File:31 - Toulouse - Basilique Saint-Sernin - Porte Renaissance de l'abbaye.jpg|thumb|240px|Renaissance door of the abbey]]
[[File:St Sernin Toulouse.JPG|thumb|240px]]
[[File:Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse nef et transept sud, clocher.jpg|thumb|240px|Bell tower (The lower part Romanesque and Gothic upper part]]
[[File:Toulouse - Basilique Saint-Sernin 20130222-01.JPG|thumb|240px]]
[[File:31 - Toulouse - Basilique Saint-Sernin - Facade.jpg|thumb|240px|Facade]]
The abbey of Saint-Sernin was an ancient foundation. [[Sylvius of Toulouse|St. Sylvius]], bishop of Toulouse, began construction of the basilica towards the end of the 4th century.<ref name="catholicen">Knights of Columbus. Catholic Truth Committee. ''The Catholic encyclopedia: an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church'', Volume 14. Encyclopedia Press, 1913, 797.</ref>
The abbey of Saint-Sernin was an ancient foundation. [[Sylvius of Toulouse|St. Sylvius]], bishop of Toulouse, began construction of the basilica towards the end of the 4th century.<ref name="catholicen">Knights of Columbus. Catholic Truth Committee. ''The Catholic encyclopedia: an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church'', Volume 14. Encyclopedia Press, 1913, 797.</ref>


Its importance increased enormously after [[Charlemagne]] (r. 768-800) donated a quantity of [[Relic#Christian relics|relics]] to it, as a result of which it became an important stop for pilgrims on their way to [[Santiago de Compostela]], and a [[pilgrimage]] location in its own right. The size of the current building and the existence of an ambulatory may reflect the need to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.
Its importance increased enormously after [[Charlemagne]] (r. 768-800) donated a quantity of [[Relic#Christian relics|relics]] to it, as a result of which it became an important stop for pilgrims on their way to [[Santiago de Compostela]], and a [[pilgrimage]] location in its own right. The size of the current building and the existence of an ambulatory may reflect the need to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.


The difficulty of determining an accurate chronology for the construction of Saint-Sernin and the completion of its sculpture has given rise to numerous problems. At least as early as the 1010s, Bishop Pierre Roger had set aside a portion of the offerings to Saint-Sernin for an eventual rebuilding of the Carolingian church.<ref>Douais, C. ''Cartulaire de Saint-Sernin de Toulouse (844-1200)'', Paris/Toulouse, 1887, pp. 475-477.</ref> During the decade of the 1070s and by 1080 at the latest, the canons of Saint-Sernin had accepted the rule of St. Augustine and had placed themselves under the direct control of the Holy See.<ref>Mundy, J. H. ''Liberty and Political Power in Toulouse, 1050-1230''. Columbia University Press, 1954, pp. 3-4.</ref> Nevertheless, there are only two firm dates that bear directly on the church itself and even these involve certain difficulties. On May 24, 1096, Pope Urban II dedicated the altar of the still largely incomplete building.<ref>Devic, C. and Vaissete, J. ''L'Histoire générale de Languedoc 2nd edition, volume III''. Toulouse, 1872, p. 485.</ref> Although there have been numerous attempts to determine the point that construction had reached at this time, the most that can be said with certainty is that 1096 is a firm ''terminus ante quem''. That is, construction must have begun at least several years before that date.
The difficulty of determining an accurate chronology for the construction of Saint-Sernin and the completion of its sculpture has given rise to numerous problems. At least as early as the 1010s, Bishop Pierre Roger had set aside a portion of the offerings to Saint-Sernin for an eventual rebuilding of the Carolingian church.<ref>Douais, C. ''Cartulaire de Saint-Sernin de Toulouse (844-1200)'', Paris/Toulouse, 1887, pp. 475-477.</ref> During the decade of the 1070s and by 1080 at the latest, the canons of Saint-Sernin had accepted the rule of St. Augustine and had placed themselves under the direct control of the Holy See.<ref>Mundy, J. H. ''Liberty and Political Power in Toulouse, 1050-1230''. Columbia University Press, 1954, pp. 3-4.</ref> Nevertheless, there are only two firm dates that bear directly on the church itself and even these involve certain difficulties. On May 24, 1096, Pope Urban II dedicated the altar of the still largely incomplete building.<ref>Devic, C. and Vaissete, J. ''L'Histoire générale de Languedoc 2nd edition, volume III''. Toulouse, 1872, p. 485.</ref> Although there have been numerous attempts to determine the point that construction had reached at this time, the most that can be said with certainty is that 1096 is a firm ''terminus ante quem''. That is, construction must have begun at least several years before that date.


The second firm date is July 3, 1118, the death of St. Raymond Gayrard, canon and provost of the chapter. A 15th-century life of the saint states that he took charge of the building after part of the church had been completed and that by the time of his death he had "brought the walls all the way around up to the completion of the windows..."<ref>Douais, C. "La Vie de saint-Raymond, chanoine, et la construction de l'église Saint-Sernin", ''Bulletin de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France'', 1894, pp. 156-161.</ref> Unfortunately, the life was written much later, some three hundred years after the events it describes, and since at least three different Raymonds were involved in the building of the church, the biographer may have confused elements from the lives of all three.
The second firm date is July 3, 1118, the death of St. Raymond Gayrard, canon and provost of the chapter. A 15th-century life of the saint states that he took charge of the building after part of the church had been completed and that by the time of his death he had "brought the walls all the way around up to the completion of the windows..."<ref>Douais, C. "La Vie de saint-Raymond, chanoine, et la construction de l'église Saint-Sernin", ''Bulletin de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France'', 1894, pp. 156-161.</ref> However, the life was written much later—some three hundred years after the events it describes—and since at least three different Raymonds were involved in the building of the church, the biographer may have confused elements from the lives of all three.


At any rate, whenever started, it appears that construction of the church did not progress continuously through to completion, for there is physical evidence of several interruptions in construction. The literary evidence cited above indicates that construction proceeded from east to west and, indeed, it appears that the earliest part of the exterior walls is the southern, lower part of the ambulatory and its corresponding radiating chapels. The walls in this section are built of brick and stone, with a higher proportion of stone than elsewhere in the building. As construction proceeded, it was clearly marked by an increasing proportion of brick, the characteristic building material of Toulouse. While there is basic agreement on the starting point, interpretation of the subsequent archeological evidence is subject to varying opinions. The earliest systematic examinations, after the restoration of [[Eugène Viollet-le-Duc|Viollet-le-Duc]], concluded that there had been three major building campaigns.<ref>Saint-Paul, A. "Note archéologique sur Saint-Sernin de Toulouse", ''Bulletin Archéologique de Comité des travaux historiques et scientifiques,'' 1899, pp.404-405; Saint-Paul, A., "L'Église de Saint-Sernin de Toulouse," ''Album des Monuments et de l'art ancien du Midi de la France,'' Toulouse, 1897, p.75; de Malafosse, J. "Communication," ''Bulletin de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France,'' 1894, pp.163-165; Aubert, M. "Saint-Sernin, Toulouse," ''Congrès Archéologiques, 1929'', 1930, pp.9-68.</ref>
At any rate, whenever started, it appears that construction of the church did not progress continuously through to completion, for there is physical evidence of several interruptions in construction. The literary evidence cited above indicates that construction proceeded from east to west and, indeed, it appears that the earliest part of the exterior walls is the southern, lower part of the ambulatory and its corresponding radiating chapels. The walls in this section are built of brick and stone, with a higher proportion of stone than elsewhere in the building. As construction proceeded, it was clearly marked by an increasing proportion of brick, the characteristic building material of Toulouse. While there is basic agreement on the starting point, interpretation of the subsequent archeological evidence is subject to varying opinions. The earliest systematic examinations, after the restoration of [[Eugène Viollet-le-Duc|Viollet-le-Duc]], concluded that there had been three major building campaigns.<ref>Saint-Paul, A. "Note archéologique sur Saint-Sernin de Toulouse", ''Bulletin Archéologique de Comité des travaux historiques et scientifiques,'' 1899, pp.404-405; Saint-Paul, A., "L'Église de Saint-Sernin de Toulouse," ''Album des Monuments et de l'art ancien du Midi de la France,'' Toulouse, 1897, p.75; de Malafosse, J. "Communication," ''Bulletin de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France,'' 1894, pp.163-165; Aubert, M. "Saint-Sernin, Toulouse," ''Congrès Archéologiques, 1929'', 1930, pp.9-68.</ref>


More recent observations have concluded that there were four major building campaigns.<ref>Scott, David. W. "A Restoration of the West Portal Relief Decoration of Saint-Sernin of Toulouse," ''Art Bulletin,'' XLVI, Sept. 1964, pp.271-282.</ref> The earliest section begins with the apse and includes the chevet and all of the transept below the level of the gallery, including the ''Porte des Comtes'' in the south face of the transept. The second stage is marked by the walls of the transept being completed with alternating courses of brick and stone. This change is also paralleled by a change in the style of the interior decorated capitals. This break is most evident in the transept buttresses, which change from solid stone at the bottom to bands of brick and stone at the top, a change which occurs at various levels around the transept but generally about the level of the gallery floor. There then follows another break between the eastern portion of the church - including the transept and the first few bays of the nave itself - and the rest of the nave. The alternating courses of brick and stone give way to a predominantly brick technique with stone quoins and stone window frames. This third campaign includes the wall enclosing the entire nave, including the western entrance and ends just below the gallery windows. During the fourth phase, the remainder of the nave was completed in brick with almost no stone.
More recent observations have concluded that there were four major building campaigns.<ref>Scott, David. W. "A Restoration of the West Portal Relief Decoration of Saint-Sernin of Toulouse," ''Art Bulletin,'' XLVI, Sept. 1964, pp.271-282.</ref> The earliest section begins with the apse and includes the chevet and all of the transept below the level of the gallery, including the ''Porte des Comtes'' in the south face of the transept. The second stage is marked by the walls of the transept being completed with alternating courses of brick and stone. This change is also paralleled by a change in the style of the interior decorated capitals. This break is most evident in the transept buttresses, which change from solid stone at the bottom to bands of brick and stone at the top, a change which occurs at various levels around the transept but generally about the level of the gallery floor. There then follows another break between the eastern portion of the church – including the transept and the first few bays of the nave itself – and the rest of the nave. The alternating courses of brick and stone give way to a predominantly brick technique with stone quoins and stone window frames. This third campaign includes the wall enclosing the entire nave, including the western entrance and ends just below the gallery windows. During the fourth phase, the remainder of the nave was completed in brick with almost no stone.


The plan of the abbey church here was also used in the construction of the [[cathedral of Santiago de Compostela]], "begun in 1082, too direct a copy to have been done by any but Saint-Sernin's own architect or his favored pupil", but finished much earlier.<ref>O'Reilly, 1921</ref>
The plan of the abbey church here was also used in the construction of the [[cathedral of Santiago de Compostela]], "begun in 1082, too direct a copy to have been done by any but Saint-Sernin's own architect or his favored pupil", but finished much earlier.<ref>O'Reilly, 1921</ref>

In 1860, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the church,<ref>Esquis, J. "Note sur les travaux de restauration recemment executes a l'église Saint-Sernin a Toulouse", ''Mémoires de l'Académie des Sciences Inscriptions, et Belles Lettres de Toulouse,'' 1883; Monjon, P. "L'Oeuvre toulousane de Viollet-le-Duc," ''Memoires de la Société Archéologique du Midi'', 1957, p.146.</ref> but his changes are currently being removed to restore the original appearance.
In 1860, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the church,<ref>Esquis, J. "Note sur les travaux de restauration recemment executes a l'église Saint-Sernin a Toulouse", ''Mémoires de l'Académie des Sciences Inscriptions, et Belles Lettres de Toulouse,'' 1883; Monjon, P. "L'Oeuvre toulousane de Viollet-le-Duc," ''Memoires de la Société Archéologique du Midi'', 1957, p.146.</ref> but his changes are currently being removed to restore the original appearance.


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[[Image:Crypte de St Sernin Toulouse.jpg|thumb|The crypt.]]
[[Image:Crypte de St Sernin Toulouse.jpg|thumb|The crypt.]]
[[Image:StSerninCCorgan.jpg|thumb|The grand 1888 Cavaillé-Coll organ]]
[[Image:StSerninCCorgan.jpg|thumb|The grand 1888 Cavaillé-Coll organ]]
Despite being called a [[basilica]], Saint-Sernin's deviates from the basilica plan of early Christian architecture in a few ways. It is much larger compared to earlier churches, measuring 104m<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/540989989|title=Baustilkunde : 3500 Bauten aus der alten und neuen Welt ; alle Epochen und Stile in über 1700 Zeichnungen|last=Reid, Richard.|date=2010|publisher=Seemann|others=Hipp, H. Rüdiger,|isbn=9783865020420|edition=Neuaufl|location=Leipzig|oclc=540989989}}</ref> in length. It is also constructed mostly of brick. The building is in the form of a crucifix. The ceilings are [[Vault (architecture)|vaulted]], unlike many of the earlier churches. Saint-Sernin's contains radiating chapels which were used to display important relics. Another deviation from the earlier Christian churches is the addition of an [[ambulatory]], a walkway that goes around the nave and side aisles to allow for viewing of the radiating chapels (which could be done while mass was being held without interrupting the ceremony). For these and other reasons, Saint-Sernin's is often said to follow the "pilgrimage plan" instead of the traditional basilica plan.
Despite being called a [[basilica]], Saint-Sernin's deviates from the basilica plan of early Christian architecture in a few ways. It is much larger compared to earlier churches, measuring 104m<ref>{{Cite book|title=Baustilkunde : 3500 Bauten aus der alten und neuen Welt ; alle Epochen und Stile in über 1700 Zeichnungen|last=Reid, Richard.|date=2010|publisher=Seemann|others=Hipp, H. Rüdiger|isbn=9783865020420|edition=Neuaufl|location=Leipzig|oclc=540989989}}</ref> in length. It is also constructed mostly of brick. The building is in the form of a crucifix. The ceilings are [[Vault (architecture)|vaulted]], unlike many of the earlier churches. Saint-Sernin's contains radiating chapels which were used to display important relics. Another deviation from the earlier Christian churches is the addition of an [[ambulatory]], a walkway that goes around the nave and side aisles to allow for viewing of the radiating chapels (which could be done while mass was being held without interrupting the ceremony). For these and other reasons, Saint-Sernin's is often said to follow the "pilgrimage plan" instead of the traditional basilica plan.


=== Exterior ===
=== Exterior ===
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The [[chevet]] is the oldest part of the building, constructed in the 11th century, and consists of nine chapels, five opening from the [[apse]] and four in the transepts.
The [[chevet]] is the oldest part of the building, constructed in the 11th century, and consists of nine chapels, five opening from the [[apse]] and four in the transepts.


The exterior is additionally known for two doorways, the ''Porte des Comtes'' and the ''Porte Miègeville''. Above the ''Porte des Comtes'' is a depiction of [[Lazarus and Dives]]. Dives in [[hell]] can be seen above the central column. The doorway gets its name from a nearby [[alcove (architecture)|alcove]] in which the remains of four [[Counts of Toulouse]] are kept. The ''Porte Miègeville'' is known for its elaborate sculpture above the entrance: the ascending Christ, surrounded by superb angels, is the central figure on one of the oldest and most beautiful tympanums in [[Romanesque architecture]] (circa 1115).
The exterior is additionally known for two doorways, the ''Porte des Comtes'' and the ''Porte Miègeville''. Above the ''Porte des Comtes'' is a depiction of [[Lazarus and Dives]]. Dives in [[hell]] can be seen above the central column. The doorway gets its name from a nearby [[alcove (architecture)|alcove]] in which the remains of four [[Counts of Toulouse]] are kept. The ''Porte Miègeville'' is known for its elaborate sculpture above the entrance: the ascending Christ, surrounded by superb angels, is the central figure on one of the oldest and most beautiful tympanums in [[Romanesque architecture]] (end of 11th c. or circa 1115).


<gallery>
<gallery>
Porte_Miégeville_-_Basilique_Saint-Sernin.jpg|the Miègeville entrance
Porte_Miégeville_-_Basilique_Saint-Sernin.jpg|Porte Miègeville
Tympan - Porte Miégeville - Basilique Saint-Sernin.jpg|The carved tympanum (1115)
Tympan - Porte Miégeville - Basilique Saint-Sernin.jpg|Tympanum of the Porte Miègeville
St% 20sernin% 20(3)(1).jpg|Saint Peter
St% 20sernin% 20(3)(1).jpg|Saint Peter
St% 20sernin% 20(6)(1).jpg|James the Major
St% 20sernin% 20(6)(1).jpg|Saint James the Great
Console aux personnages symmétiques.JPG|Two shepherds slaying lions
Console aux personnages symmétiques.JPG|Two shepherds slaying lions
Console au roi David.JPG|King David playing the rebec
Console au roi David.JPG|King David playing the rebec
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The interior of the basilica measures 115 x 64 x 21 meters, making it vast for a Romanesque church. The central [[nave]] is [[barrel vault]]ed; the four [[aisle]]s have [[rib vault]]s and are supported by [[buttress]]es. Directly under the tower and the transept is a marble altar, consecrated by [[Pope Urban II]] in 1096 and designed by [[Bernard Gelduin]].
The interior of the basilica measures 115 x 64 x 21 meters, making it vast for a Romanesque church. The central [[nave]] is [[barrel vault]]ed; the four [[aisle]]s have [[rib vault]]s and are supported by [[buttress]]es. Directly under the tower and the transept is a marble altar, consecrated by [[Pope Urban II]] in 1096 and designed by [[Bernard Gelduin]].


As well as [[Saint Saturnin]], [[Saint Honoratus]] is also buried here<!--need confirmation of St H-->. The crypt contains the relics of many other saints.
As well as [[Saint Saturnin]], [[Saint Honoratus]] is also buried here<!--need confirmation of St H-->. The crypt contains the relics of many other saints, including, by tradition, the Apostles St Simon and St Jude.


The basilica also contains a large three-manual [[Cavaillé-Coll]] [[organ (music)|organ]] built in 1888. Together with the Cavaillé-Coll instruments at [[Saint-Sulpice (Paris)|Saint-Sulpice]] in [[Paris]] and the [[Church of St. Ouen, Rouen]], it is considered to be one of the most important organs in France.
The basilica also contains a large three-[[Manual (music)|manual]] [[Aristide Cavaillé-Coll|Cavaillé-Coll]] [[Pipe organ|organ]] built in 1888. Together with the Cavaillé-Coll instruments at [[Saint-Sulpice, Paris|Saint-Sulpice]] and the [[Church of St. Ouen, Rouen]], it is considered to be one of the most important organs in France. It was inaugurated on 3 April 1889 by [[Alexandre Guilmant]]. From 1992 to 1996, it was restored by organ builders [[Jean-Loup Boisseau]], [[Bertrand Cattiaux]] and Patrice Bellet. The current Titular [[organist]] is [[Michel Bouvard (organist)|Michel Bouvard]].
<!--too much detail in relation to the rest of the article
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==Gallery==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Basilique_Saint-Sernin,_bas_reliefs.jpg|Marble bas-reliefs
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse - Buste de Saint Louis de Toulouse.jpg|Bust of [[Louis of Toulouse]]
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse - Buste de Saint Louis de Toulouse.jpg|Bust of [[Louis of Toulouse]]
Nave of Basilica Saint-Sernin - 2012-08-24.jpg|Nave
Nave of Basilica Saint-Sernin - 2012-08-24.jpg|Nave
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse la chaire.jpg|Pulpit
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse la chaire.jpg|Pulpit
ICroix Saint-Sernin.jpg|Chapel of the Crucifix
31 - Toulouse - Christ en Croix de la basilique Saint-Sernin - PalissyPM31000781.jpg|Chapel of the Crucifix
North transepts - Basilique Saint-Sernin - fixed perspective (cropped).jpg|Brace north transept
North transepts - Basilique Saint-Sernin - fixed perspective (cropped).jpg|Brace north transept
Baptismal font of Saint-Sernin.jpg|Fonts
Baptismal font of Saint-Sernin.jpg|Fonts
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</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
== See also ==
{{Wikipedia books|Romanesque Art and Architecture}}
* [[French Romanesque architecture]]
* [[French Romanesque architecture]]


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons category|Basilique Saint-Sernin (Toulouse)}}
{{Commons category|Basilique Saint-Sernin (Toulouse)}}
* [http://www.basilique-saint-sernin.fr/ Saint Sernin official website] in French
* [http://www.basilique-saint-sernin.fr/ Saint Sernin official website] in French
* http://structurae.info/ouvrages/basilique-saint-sernin
* http://structurae.info/ouvrages/basilique-saint-sernin
* [http://www.gotik-romanik.de/Toulouse-St-SerninThumbnails/Thumbnails.html Photos]
* [http://www.gotik-romanik.de/Toulouse-St-SerninThumbnails/Thumbnails.html Photos]

{{Basilicas in France}}
{{Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Basilica Of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Basilica Of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse}}

Latest revision as of 15:30, 28 October 2024

Basilica of Saint-Sernin
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse
Basilica de Sant Sarnin de Tolosa
Western entrance of the basilica.
Religion
AffiliationRoman Catholic
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusMinor basilica
Year consecrated1096
Location
LocationToulouse
Geographic coordinates43°36′30″N 1°26′31″E / 43.6084°N 1.4420°E / 43.6084; 1.4420
Architecture
StyleRomanesque
TypeCultural
Criteriaii, iv, vi
Designated1998 (22nd session)
Parent listingRoutes of Santiago de Compostela in France
Reference no.868
State PartyFrance
RegionEurope and North America

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin (Occitan: Basilica de Sant Sarnin) is a church in Toulouse, France, the former abbey church of the Abbey of Saint-Sernin or St Saturnin. Apart from the church, none of the abbey buildings remain. The current church is located on the site of a previous basilica of the 4th century which contained the body of Saint Saturnin or Sernin, the first bishop of Toulouse in c. 250. The church is particularly noted for the quality and quantity of its Romanesque sculpture. In 1998 the basilica was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the description: World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

History

[edit]
Renaissance door of the abbey
Bell tower (The lower part Romanesque and Gothic upper part
Facade

The abbey of Saint-Sernin was an ancient foundation. St. Sylvius, bishop of Toulouse, began construction of the basilica towards the end of the 4th century.[1]

Its importance increased enormously after Charlemagne (r. 768-800) donated a quantity of relics to it, as a result of which it became an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, and a pilgrimage location in its own right. The size of the current building and the existence of an ambulatory may reflect the need to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.

The difficulty of determining an accurate chronology for the construction of Saint-Sernin and the completion of its sculpture has given rise to numerous problems. At least as early as the 1010s, Bishop Pierre Roger had set aside a portion of the offerings to Saint-Sernin for an eventual rebuilding of the Carolingian church.[2] During the decade of the 1070s and by 1080 at the latest, the canons of Saint-Sernin had accepted the rule of St. Augustine and had placed themselves under the direct control of the Holy See.[3] Nevertheless, there are only two firm dates that bear directly on the church itself and even these involve certain difficulties. On May 24, 1096, Pope Urban II dedicated the altar of the still largely incomplete building.[4] Although there have been numerous attempts to determine the point that construction had reached at this time, the most that can be said with certainty is that 1096 is a firm terminus ante quem. That is, construction must have begun at least several years before that date.

The second firm date is July 3, 1118, the death of St. Raymond Gayrard, canon and provost of the chapter. A 15th-century life of the saint states that he took charge of the building after part of the church had been completed and that by the time of his death he had "brought the walls all the way around up to the completion of the windows..."[5] However, the life was written much later—some three hundred years after the events it describes—and since at least three different Raymonds were involved in the building of the church, the biographer may have confused elements from the lives of all three.

At any rate, whenever started, it appears that construction of the church did not progress continuously through to completion, for there is physical evidence of several interruptions in construction. The literary evidence cited above indicates that construction proceeded from east to west and, indeed, it appears that the earliest part of the exterior walls is the southern, lower part of the ambulatory and its corresponding radiating chapels. The walls in this section are built of brick and stone, with a higher proportion of stone than elsewhere in the building. As construction proceeded, it was clearly marked by an increasing proportion of brick, the characteristic building material of Toulouse. While there is basic agreement on the starting point, interpretation of the subsequent archeological evidence is subject to varying opinions. The earliest systematic examinations, after the restoration of Viollet-le-Duc, concluded that there had been three major building campaigns.[6]

More recent observations have concluded that there were four major building campaigns.[7] The earliest section begins with the apse and includes the chevet and all of the transept below the level of the gallery, including the Porte des Comtes in the south face of the transept. The second stage is marked by the walls of the transept being completed with alternating courses of brick and stone. This change is also paralleled by a change in the style of the interior decorated capitals. This break is most evident in the transept buttresses, which change from solid stone at the bottom to bands of brick and stone at the top, a change which occurs at various levels around the transept but generally about the level of the gallery floor. There then follows another break between the eastern portion of the church – including the transept and the first few bays of the nave itself – and the rest of the nave. The alternating courses of brick and stone give way to a predominantly brick technique with stone quoins and stone window frames. This third campaign includes the wall enclosing the entire nave, including the western entrance and ends just below the gallery windows. During the fourth phase, the remainder of the nave was completed in brick with almost no stone.

The plan of the abbey church here was also used in the construction of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, "begun in 1082, too direct a copy to have been done by any but Saint-Sernin's own architect or his favored pupil", but finished much earlier.[8]

In 1860, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the church,[9] but his changes are currently being removed to restore the original appearance.

Features

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East end elevation of the basilica.
The crypt.
The grand 1888 Cavaillé-Coll organ

Despite being called a basilica, Saint-Sernin's deviates from the basilica plan of early Christian architecture in a few ways. It is much larger compared to earlier churches, measuring 104m[10] in length. It is also constructed mostly of brick. The building is in the form of a crucifix. The ceilings are vaulted, unlike many of the earlier churches. Saint-Sernin's contains radiating chapels which were used to display important relics. Another deviation from the earlier Christian churches is the addition of an ambulatory, a walkway that goes around the nave and side aisles to allow for viewing of the radiating chapels (which could be done while mass was being held without interrupting the ceremony). For these and other reasons, Saint-Sernin's is often said to follow the "pilgrimage plan" instead of the traditional basilica plan.

Exterior

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On the exterior, the bell tower, standing directly over the transept crossing, is the most visible feature. It is divided into five tiers, of which the lower three, with Romanesque arches, date from the 12th century and the upper two from the 13th century (circa 1270). The spire was added in the 15th century. The bell tower is slightly inclined towards the west direction, which is why from certain standpoints the bell tower roof, whose axis is perpendicular to the ground, appears to be inclined to the tower itself.

The chevet is the oldest part of the building, constructed in the 11th century, and consists of nine chapels, five opening from the apse and four in the transepts.

The exterior is additionally known for two doorways, the Porte des Comtes and the Porte Miègeville. Above the Porte des Comtes is a depiction of Lazarus and Dives. Dives in hell can be seen above the central column. The doorway gets its name from a nearby alcove in which the remains of four Counts of Toulouse are kept. The Porte Miègeville is known for its elaborate sculpture above the entrance: the ascending Christ, surrounded by superb angels, is the central figure on one of the oldest and most beautiful tympanums in Romanesque architecture (end of 11th c. or circa 1115).

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

Interior

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The interior of the basilica measures 115 x 64 x 21 meters, making it vast for a Romanesque church. The central nave is barrel vaulted; the four aisles have rib vaults and are supported by buttresses. Directly under the tower and the transept is a marble altar, consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096 and designed by Bernard Gelduin.

As well as Saint Saturnin, Saint Honoratus is also buried here. The crypt contains the relics of many other saints, including, by tradition, the Apostles St Simon and St Jude.

The basilica also contains a large three-manual Cavaillé-Coll organ built in 1888. Together with the Cavaillé-Coll instruments at Saint-Sulpice and the Church of St. Ouen, Rouen, it is considered to be one of the most important organs in France. It was inaugurated on 3 April 1889 by Alexandre Guilmant. From 1992 to 1996, it was restored by organ builders Jean-Loup Boisseau, Bertrand Cattiaux and Patrice Bellet. The current Titular organist is Michel Bouvard.

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  • Marble bas-reliefs
    Marble bas-reliefs
  • Bust of Louis of Toulouse
    Bust of Louis of Toulouse
  • Nave
    Nave
  • Pulpit
    Pulpit
  • Chapel of the Crucifix
    Chapel of the Crucifix
  • Brace north transept
    Brace north transept
  • Fonts
    Fonts
  • Plan
    Plan

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Knights of Columbus. Catholic Truth Committee. The Catholic encyclopedia: an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church, Volume 14. Encyclopedia Press, 1913, 797.
  2. ^ Douais, C. Cartulaire de Saint-Sernin de Toulouse (844-1200), Paris/Toulouse, 1887, pp. 475-477.
  3. ^ Mundy, J. H. Liberty and Political Power in Toulouse, 1050-1230. Columbia University Press, 1954, pp. 3-4.
  4. ^ Devic, C. and Vaissete, J. L'Histoire générale de Languedoc 2nd edition, volume III. Toulouse, 1872, p. 485.
  5. ^ Douais, C. "La Vie de saint-Raymond, chanoine, et la construction de l'église Saint-Sernin", Bulletin de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France, 1894, pp. 156-161.
  6. ^ Saint-Paul, A. "Note archéologique sur Saint-Sernin de Toulouse", Bulletin Archéologique de Comité des travaux historiques et scientifiques, 1899, pp.404-405; Saint-Paul, A., "L'Église de Saint-Sernin de Toulouse," Album des Monuments et de l'art ancien du Midi de la France, Toulouse, 1897, p.75; de Malafosse, J. "Communication," Bulletin de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France, 1894, pp.163-165; Aubert, M. "Saint-Sernin, Toulouse," Congrès Archéologiques, 1929, 1930, pp.9-68.
  7. ^ Scott, David. W. "A Restoration of the West Portal Relief Decoration of Saint-Sernin of Toulouse," Art Bulletin, XLVI, Sept. 1964, pp.271-282.
  8. ^ O'Reilly, 1921
  9. ^ Esquis, J. "Note sur les travaux de restauration recemment executes a l'église Saint-Sernin a Toulouse", Mémoires de l'Académie des Sciences Inscriptions, et Belles Lettres de Toulouse, 1883; Monjon, P. "L'Oeuvre toulousane de Viollet-le-Duc," Memoires de la Société Archéologique du Midi, 1957, p.146.
  10. ^ Reid, Richard. (2010). Baustilkunde : 3500 Bauten aus der alten und neuen Welt ; alle Epochen und Stile in über 1700 Zeichnungen. Hipp, H. Rüdiger (Neuaufl ed.). Leipzig: Seemann. ISBN 9783865020420. OCLC 540989989.

Sources

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  • O'Reilly, E. B., 1921: How France Built her Cathedrals. London and New York: Harper and Brothers
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