Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux, France

The Basilica of St Michael was built between the end of 14th century and the 16th century. It is at the heart of the ancient quarter of Saint-Michel.

The pulpit represents Saint Michael slaying the dragon. The stained-glass windows were destroyed during the bombardment of 1940. The separate bell tower, which is 114 meters tall, was built in the 15th century. The tower can be visited every day from April to October.

From the late eighteenth century until 1979, over 60 of the mummified bodies were exhibited in the crypt. In 1881 a Gallo-Roman cemetery and catacombs were discovered under the tower, with several naturally mummified bodies. The mummies were found in 1791 according to other sources, in the adjacent parish graveyard which, having become full, was being cleared, with remains being transferred to catacombs; they further state that the bodies were removed to the cimetière de la Chartreuse in 1979.

References:

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User Reviews

martin kelly (2 years ago)
Such a beautiful Cathedral inside and out. Very much worth a visit even if some of it is under construction. The stain glass windows are absolutely beautiful.

Ninh Ly (2 years ago)
BEAUTIFUL, BUT UNDER CONSTRUCTION It's one of the three most important churches in Bordeaux and ordinarily it's a beautiful place to behold. But the re-construction of the bell tower, bad traffic and construction works everywhere takes the shine off it a litte. Inside, you'll find some amazing stained-glass windows and you won't be disappointed. If you're looking to go up the bell-tower, you'll be disappointed, as all of that is covered with scaffolding at the moment. Really ruins what is otherwise a picturesque basilica.

Vasily Dmitrievsky (2 years ago)
Amazing Basilique to visit. It has so much history behind it. The organ music captures your soul like nothing else. There are not many visitors in the winter time.

Rudrabha Mukhopadhyay (3 years ago)
Very near to Saint Michael tram station. There is some construction work going on in the area. Highly photogenic. There is a cheap super market nearby too.

deckywalsh1 (3 years ago)
This is a beautiful Cathedral and very much worth a visit. The stain glass windows are absolutely spectacular. There is a beautiful Altar with in tact Altar rails, an unusual feature "post Vatican II".

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