Basilica of St. Martin, Tours, Roman Catholic basilica in Tours, France
Description
The Basilica of Saint Martin in Tours is a large church building designed in neo-Byzantine style with a prominent bronze statue of the saint crowning its dome. The interior contains spaces for visitors to explore, leading down to a crypt below where sacred tombs are located.
History
A church dedicated to Saint Martin stood on this site from the 5th century and became one of medieval Europe's major pilgrimage destinations. It was destroyed during the French Revolution in the late 1700s, and the present building was later constructed to revive the site's religious purpose.
Culture
The basilica remains a pilgrimage destination where visitors come to venerate Saint Martin and spend time in the crypt near his tomb. The church continues to serve as a gathering place for religious ceremonies and local community events.
Practical
Entrance to the basilica is free, and it sits in the city center within walking distance of other sites. Visitors can explore both the main prayer space and descend to the crypt at their own pace.
Did you know?
The building breaks from traditional church orientation and follows a north-south axis instead of the conventional east-west alignment, adapted to fit the urban layout. This unusual design choice reflects how practical constraints influenced the structure's placement and direction.
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The Loire Valley features Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance châteaux and medieval squares. From Saint-Gatien Cathedral to Château de Chenonceau, each location displays architectural details: towers, stone walls, decorated facades and geometric gardens. The city of Tours combines half-timbered houses,...
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Tour de l'Horloge
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Basilique Saint-Martin
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Église Saint-Denis
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Église Sainte-Croix de Tours
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Hôtel de Jean Briçonnet
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Tour Foubert
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Ancienne maison canoniale de Saint-Martin
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Hôtel des Ducs de Touraine
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Chapelle Saint-Jean de Tours
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Maisons, 2 rue du Change
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Hotel Prince
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Cure de l'église Sainte-Croix de Tours
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Immeuble, 1 rue de la Rôtisserie
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Aumônerie de Saint-Martin
123 m
Hôtellerie du Panier Fleury
78 m
Hôtel de l'Arbalète
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Chancellerie de la collégiale Saint-Martin de Tours
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Maison de La Psalette
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Oratoire des Briçonnets
92 m
Abbaye de Marmoutier
1 m
Maison, 3 rue de la Rôtisserie
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Maison 26 rue de la Monnaie
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Maison, 4 rue du Grand-Marché
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