Basilique Saint-Savinien de Sens, basilica located in Yonne, in France

The Basilique Saint-Savinien de Sens stands on rue Alsace-Lorraine, built in 1068 over a much older crypt at its centre. Its masonry columns carry foliate capitals topped by an abacus with a twisted rope motif, and round stone arches rise from similar columns. A black wrought-iron railing with scrollwork runs down a short flight of stone steps between the columns.

Construction began around 1068 under Baudoin and his wife Pétronille, replacing a much older sacred site with roots in the 7th century. The building survived fires and warfare, faced destruction during the French Revolution, but was restored through the 19th century until approximately 1915.

The basilica honors Saint Savinien, Sens's first bishop, whose veneration has remained central to local faith for centuries. Today it serves as a space where the community gathers to pray and remember, keeping alive the connection between present-day worshippers and the medieval past.

The basilica stands on Rue Alsace-Lorraine in central Sens, a short walk from the cathedral quarter. It belongs to an association today, so opening depends on that group rather than a parish; ask at the local tourist office before crossing town. The entrance is reached by a short flight of stone steps flanked by a black wrought-iron railing with scrollwork.

Inside the crypt, visitors encounter not only early Christian inscriptions carved into stone, but also a mysterious blood stain on the altar stone that local tradition links to Saint Savinien himself. This unexplained mark continues to intrigue visitors and remains one of the site's most puzzling features.