Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame du Taur, located in the heart of Toulouse between the Place du Capitole and the Basilica Saint-Sernin, is an emblematic building of the southern Gothic. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, it replaces a presumed paleo-Christian oratory, linked to the martyrdom of Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse, dragged by a bull in 250. His name, du Taur (" bull" in Occitan), evokes this founding event. Although archaeological excavations (1969-1970) did not confirm the presence of paleo-Christian remains, tradition places here the place where Saturnin's body would have detached from the animal.

The unique nave, 40-metre-long, dowry vault, was enlarged at the end of the 15th century to accommodate the Saint-Suaire of Cadouin. The 42-metre-high bell tower dominates the street of Taur with its two levels pierced with balls (arc-shaped openings) and its corner turrets. Ranked a historical monument since 1840, the church houses major works: a statue of Notre-Dame du Rempart (XVI century), paintings by Bernard Bénézet (XIX century) illustrating the martyrdom of Saturnin, and a Puget organ (1880), classified in 1987. Its Gothic portal, inspired by that of the Cordeliers, is framed by niches housing 18th-century statues.

In the 19th century, a restoration led by Viollet-le-Duc and Anatole de Baudot revealed a 14th century mural depicting Jacob's genealogy. The stained glass windows, signed by Victor Gesta and Marcel Fleur, as well as the neo-Gothic decorations of Jean-Pierre Lavilledieu, testify to this beautiful campaign. In 2020, the church is at the heart of a media event when protesters Yellow Gilets find refuge there before being delocalized by the police. Since August 2023, it has been closed for major renovations, including moisture treatment, restoration of murals and stained glass, and enhanced fire safety.

The choir, rebuilt in 1970 according to the precepts of Vatican II, houses the relics of Saints Saturnin, Florian and Quentin. The axial chapel preserves a statue of Notre-Dame du Rempart, formerly venerated in an oratory demolished in 1783, commemorating the victory of Catholics over Protestants in 1562. Lateral chapels are home to works such as the Education of the Virgin (Arthur Legoust, 17th century) and paintings by Bernard Bénézet. The organ, inaugurated in 1880 by Alexandre Guilmant, remains one of the jewels of the Toulouse bill.

The history of the church is also that of Toulouse: first called the Taur church, it became Saint-Sernin-du-Taur in the 12th century, then Notre-Dame du Taur in 1534. Its role in collective memory is linked to Saturnin's legend, but also to more recent episodes, such as the social tensions of 2020. The works in progress (2023-2024) aim to preserve this heritage, while adapting the building to contemporary standards, under the direction of the architect Axel Letellier and with the support of Toulouse City Hall.

External links