The city of Toulouse has been a Pilgrim vortex from the earliest times. Often, Pilgrims coming from other European routes would detour to stop here. The first recorded book on the pilgrimage, written by Aimery Picaud around 1140, made the basilica of Saint-Sernin a compulsory stop. The basilica is the largest standing Romanesque church in France. The tomb of Saint Sernin, gruesomely martyred in 250, as well as relics from 128 saints are located therein. Additionally, the convent church of the Jacobins, while having no direct link to St. James, is a fine example of a gothic church, having an unusual interior and ceiling which give the illusion of being in a palm forest. The tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas is here. Also located in Toulouse is the gothic church and convent of the Augustinians, now a museum of paintings and sculpture. Finally, there still stands (but is now put to other purposes) a pilgrim hospital and hostelry dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Today I lit candles in the basilica for each of those loved ones on my updated Camino prayer list.
Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims in the basilica of Saint-Sernin.
Interior of the basilica.
Statue of St. James with signature scallop shells in the cathedral of Saint-Etienne.
Courtyard of the convent church of the Augustinians.
Convent gargoyles.
Palm Tree like ceiling of the Jacobin convent.
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Location:Toulouse, France
Interesting history, Kay. And your photo captures the palmtree forest feel of the inside of the church. Diane
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