Construction of this dramatic and spectacular Gothic style church commenced in 1230 and, like the Cathedral of St Etienne, was another attempt to halt the growing power of the Cathar sect in the region. The interior of the church is simply massive and it is famous for it's palmtree-like constructions at the top of the central columns, the largest of which contains 22 supporting branches.. The convent was built by the Order of Dominicans and the relics of its famous philosopher & teacher, St Thomas Aquinas, are kept there. After the French Revolution, Napoleon took over the church and turned it into a barracks. A wooden floor was installed to provide the soldiers with living quarters, while downstairs was turned into stables and a horse training centre. The upper floor was subsequently removed in 1905. During World War I, many of the treasures from the museums of Paris were transferred to the convent for protection. There is a beautiful cloister to the side of the church, off of which there are a number of interesting chapels which were used by the monks for prayer and silent contemplation. Today, the de-consecrated church is used as a museum, concert and exhibition space.