The St-Sernin Basilica Athénée Hotel Toulouse

This Roman building always surprises with the size and beauty of its nave. A Roman monument distinguished by its size, the power of its architecture and the high-quality of its sculptures, the Saint-Sernin basilica was mainly constructed between 1070 and 1120. It was designed as a giant reliquary, housing the tomb of Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse, martyred in 250. The rue du Taur which runs from place du Capitole to the basilica, takes its name from the martyr's circumstances, Saturnin having been dragged along this street by an angry bull when it was a road exiting the town. The Saint-Sernin basilica is a must for the pilgrimage along the Way of St. James on the road from Arles.