The Basilica of Saint Sermon is a huge and wonderful 11th century example of Romanesque architecture. It is the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe and, most likely, in the world. It stands majestically on the site of a very large 4th century abbey, also dedicated to Saint Sernin, no part of which exists today. The Abbey was an important stop off point for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela but was also a place of pilgrimage in itself due to the donation by Charlemagne of a large number of saints' relics. The relics remain housed in today's basilica in its many chapels and crypt. Construction of the new basilica commenced in the late 11th century and carried on for many years. The large marble altar, consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096, along with the remains of St Sernin, sit directly below the high, slightly slanting bell tower. There is a walkway around the back of the altar which contains many chapels where are the relics of saints are held. There you will also find the entrance to the crypt below the altar. If you approach the basilica from the direction of the Capitole, you will enter Midway along the western wall. The view of the high altar, from the centre of the main aisle at that point, is simply stunning. There are a number of very fine statues in the basilica. One that stands out in particular is of St Roch on the eastern side of the church. He is the patron saint of dogs and a long list of other quite unusual things, such as grave diggers, bachelors and limb injuries !! The Basilica also boasts a Cavaille-Coll organ which is said to be one of the most important organs in France. An interesting fact is that the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is said to be and almost exact copy of St Sernin - the building of the cathedral in Santiago commenced 2 years after Toulouse's basilica and it is thought that the same architect's plans were used. When you are finished with your visit it is worth considering dropping into the fantastic Museum of St Raymond, which is close by - see separate review.