Basilica of Saint-Eutrope

A real masterpiece of Romanesque art, Saint-Eutrope Basilica in Saintes amazes visitors with its two superimposed choirs and its crypt, one of the largest in Europe.  The Flamboyant Gothic style bell tower (built 1478-1496) rises more than 80 metres and overlooks the ancient capital of the Romanesque Saintonge region.

The church was inaugurated in 1096. The relics of Saint Eutrope, the first bishop of Saintes, were buried to crypt and the church and it was a popular pilgrimage site. It was one of the largest churches in the region until 1803 when the dilapidated nave was removed.  The current facade was built in 1831 by the architect Prévôt. Later, in 1844, the bell tower was restored by another architect named Clerget. A year later, the crypt was cleared because it had been filled several times before.

Address
Rue Saint-Eutrope 56, Saintes, France

Established
1081-1096