Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion — Attraction in Libourne

The monolithic church of Saint-Émilion is a breathtaking example of medieval architecture, carved entirely out of rock in the 11th and 12th centuries. This vast underground church, the largest of its kind in Europe, is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Benedictine monks who created it.

The church was excavated from a considerable mass of stone, estimated at around 15 cubic meters. The central nave reaches an impressive height of 11 meters, while the Gothic windows in the western part bring natural light into the building. The church was once decorated with beautiful wall paintings, including a 12th-century Crucifixion, although only fragments remain today.

One of the most striking features of the church is the intricate carvings in the underground galleries, which shed light on the spiritual significance of the building. These carvings depict scenes of temptation, evil, and brutality, as well as a figure playing a viol.

The presence of Saint-Émilion's tomb attracted burials in the nearby underground galleries. In the 13th century, a magnificent Last Judgment portal was added, with Christ seated between the Virgin and Saint John, and the dead being resurrected on the lower register.

The style is reminiscent of the Royal Portal of Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux. Today, the monolithic church is a major attraction for visitors to Saint-Émilion, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich history and the ingenuity of its medieval inhabitants.

The underground tour, which includes the hermitage of Émilion, the Trinity Chapel, and the catacombs, is a must-do for anyone interested in exploring this...

A day trip to St Emilion and a very unusual place to visit. Not just visit but learn about it too with a local guide who spoke great English. The history about the parts that you see is exceptionally interesting and actually seeing everything in the flesh (so to speak) makes for a better experience. We booked online (which I think is cheaper) but also secures a place on the English speaking tour - which I'd recommend you do regardless of any discount, just to make sure there are spaces. Ours soon filled up and only had a few spaces left. it takes about an hour and is definitely worth the time - even better if you miss the showers that are synonymous with the area! You can't take photos for reasons explained but that will not detract from...

I highly recommend this Monolithic Church with a private tour guide. You’ll be able to see and explore the history of this church. Unfortunately pictures were not allowed. But to really understand the magnitude of this structure you need to see it in person. You’ll be surprised and amazed once you step inside. The largest cavern is so enormous I couldn’t imagine how it was constructed by hand. The underground tunnels and structures are breathtaking. Recommend wearing a sweater or sweatshirt as the temperature of the caverns are 20 degrees cooler than the outside. Very humid as well so wear hiking shoes as the floor is made of clay and is wet. I destroyed my sneakers as the floor was...