Basilique Saint-Seurin
Imposing and austere, the Basilique Saint-Seurin is arguably the cradle of Christianity in Bordeaux. A true architectural treasure, classed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica’s Romanesque style is mildly enriched with various Gothic elements – a result of successive additions over the centuries. Its history begins in the 6th century, when it sat next to the Church of St Stephen, the first Bordeaux Cathedral, and the vast necropolis of the same era. The 11th century marks the beginning of a great monastic moment for the Basilique, as the return of peace facilitates the renewal of the church. Its interior is striking: a 15th century Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Rose, which is a marvelous piece of Gothic ornamentation, as well as keystones and sculptures. Pay particular attention to the crypt – the basilica’s oldest part – where you can wonder at some of the most beautiful Merovingian marble sarcophagi.
Basilique Saint-Seurin, Place des Martyrs de la Résistance, Bordeaux, France