Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Gothic basilica in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, France.
Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is a church building in Gothic style, recognizable by its soaring nave and numerous side chapels arranged throughout the structure. Inside, visitors encounter elaborate woodwork, decorated choir stalls, and a wooden pulpit that demonstrate the craftsmanship invested in the building's decoration.
Construction started in 1295 after the discovery of a sarcophagus believed to contain the remains of Mary Magdalene, an event that transformed the location into a pilgrimage destination. This discovery set the foundation for the building's significance and drew continuous religious interest over subsequent centuries.
The basilica is named after Mary Magdalene, whose presence is central to the spiritual identity of this place and attracts pilgrims seeking connection to the saint. The layout of the building, with its many chapels radiating from the main nave, reflects how people have organized their prayer and devotion over centuries.
Entry to the building is free and open daily, allowing visitors to explore both the main interior and the crypt area at their own pace. Be prepared for uneven floors and narrow passages, particularly when descending to the lower levels where older structures can feel quite confined.
Beneath the basilica lies a crypt containing four stone sarcophagi from the 4th century, predating the church building itself by many centuries and raising questions about their original purpose. These ancient objects form the spiritual core of the site and explain why pilgrims have journeyed here for generations.
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