Basilique St Sernin Toulouse

The Basilique St Sernin got its name from Saint Saturnin. A Christian martyr who died in 250 AD, Saint Saturnin was dragged to his death after he was tied to a bull. It was in 402 when his remains, which were kept previously in the du Taur church, were transferred to the site where the basilica now stands. Shortly after the time of the transfer, Saint-Exupere, a small church, was built around the remains. It was not only until around 1080 when the work for the present basilique was started. The brickwork making up its exteriors, the tympanum that is over the main door, which depicts the ascension of Christ, the two crypts and the 800 sculpted column heads in the basilica make it among the sights of Toulouse really worth seeing.