Basilica of Saint-Julien – Brioude : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 29 Jun, 2023
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The Basilica of Saint-Julien in Brioude, France is one of the most important historic sites in the region. With its ancient architecture and sacred religious artifacts, the basilica is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to get an up-close and personal look at this fascinating piece of history. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the basilica, including its history, interesting facts, and useful travel information. We’ll also give you some valuable tips to help you plan the perfect visit to this incredible site. So if you’re ready to explore one of France’s oldest and most awe-inspiring churches, buckle up and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Basilica of Saint-Julien – Brioude
1. The current Basilica, located in the town of Brioude, Auvergne, France, is the third religious structure to have stood on that site since the 4th century.
2. The first church was built around the tomb of Saint Julian, a Roman soldier who was martyred for his Christian faith.
3. The original church was destroyed, and the second basilica was built in 919 A.D. by Hildulfe, Count of Auvergne.
4. In 1095, a major fire destroyed much of the second basilica, and it was rebuilt in 1252 in its current Gothic style.
5. The choir of the Benedictine Abbey of Fleury (located in St. Benoit-sur-Loire) was moved to the new basilica in 1272.
6. In 1303, Pope Boniface VIII awarded a plenary indulgence to the faithful who visited the basilica.
7. In 1812, the basilica was looted and burned in a revolt, but it was restored and reconsecrated two years later.
8. In 1881, the basilica was declared a national historic monument of France.
9. In 1967, the interior of the basilica was completely restored to its 13th century design.
10. In 2007, the basilica of Saint-Julien-de-Brioude became a listed UNESCO world heritage site.
History & Information About Basilica of Saint-Julien – Brioude
The Basilica of Saint-Julien in Brioude, France is a Roman Catholic church that was built between the 11th and 15th centuries. It is the oldest building in the town and is a popular pilgrimage site. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Julien the Hospitaller, a French saint who lived in the area in the 3rd century and was martyred by beheading.
The original church was built in the Romanesque style in the 11th century by the Counts of Auvergne and was expanded in the following centuries. Remains of a women’s chapel from the 12th century can still be seen in the side-aisles of the nave. The choir was added in the 15th century in the late Gothic style. The interior of the church is adorned with beautiful 13th century frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ and stories from the Bible.
The basilica is home to the relics of Saint Julien, including his skull and an altar which was gifted to the church in the 15th century. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the basilica to pay homage to the saint and venerate his relics. The basilica is also an important pilgrimage site for the devotion to Saint-Julien-de-Brioude, a protected species of bird in the area.
The basilica has been classified as a national monument of France since 1925 and is registered as part of the World Heritage of the UNESCO since 1998.
Travel Guide For Visiting Basilica of Saint-Julien – Brioude
The Basilica of Saint-Julien in Brioude is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is a large and ornate church that dates back to the 5th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the country. The basilica is a popular tourist attraction and it offers visitors a chance to see some of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. Here is a guide for visiting the Basilica of Saint-Julien.
Getting There:
The Basilica of Saint-Julien in Brioude is easily accessible from most parts of France. There are regular buses from the nearby towns of Rennes, Nantes, Tours, and Le Havre, as well as trains from Paris. Those coming from other parts of Europe can easily drive or take a train from major cities like Munich, Venice, or Amsterdam.
Hours of Operation:
The Basilica of Saint-Julien is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm every day of the week. The church also hosts special events like concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Admission:
The cost of admission to the Basilica of Saint-Julien is €7 per person for adults, and €5 for children. There are also group rates available for those who purchase tickets in advance.
What to See:
The Basilica of Saint-Julien is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Visitors can see the ornate exterior, including the bell tower and the rose window on the porch. Inside the church are frescoes, sculptures, stained glass windows, and a huge pipe organ.
Nearby Attractions:
Just a few kilometers away from the Basilica of Saint-Julien is the Brioude Museum. This museum has interesting exhibits and artifacts about the history of the region. There are also many shops and restaurants near the basilica, which are great places to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before leaving.
Overall, the Basilica of Saint-Julien in Brioude is a fascinating destination to explore. There are plenty of interesting things to see and do, making it worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basilica of Saint-Julien – Brioude
Q: When was it completed?
A: The Basilica of Saint-Julien in Brioude was completed in the 11th century.