Saint Mary-Magdalene Basilica – A masterpiece of Romanesque Architecture
You will be dazzled by the overwhelming beauty of the roman basilica, where light is in perpetual motion and breathes life into the stone itself.
You just have to let the contradictions wash over you: the beauty of the building and the modesty of its layout; the complexity of the sculptures and the simplicity of the architecture. The height of the archways and the strength of the pillars.
Admire the capitals, a narrative in ninety nine episodes straight from the Middle Ages’ exuberant imagination!
Be entranced by the chants of the benedictine monks and nuns which resound three times a day from the abbey-church.
Meditate in the crypt where, for hundreds of years, pilgrims in their thousands have travelled to worship the relics of Saint Mary-Magdalene
The crypt
Access the crypt in silence via a narrow staircase to discover a place where time stands still; everything here inspires humility and is conducive to contemplation
For centuries kings have reflected here, huge crowds of pilgrims came to worship the relics of Mary-Magdalene, kept in a magnificent bronze shrine
In 2015 restoration work revealed colourful wall paintings dating back to the 12th century, including a keystone of “Christ in Glory” which is an absolute “must see”.
Summer and winter solstice in the Basilica – the magic of light
The basilica is impressive by its overwhelming proportions. When you enter, the light gives the building an incredible dimension
When the sun reaches its highest point on the summer solstice, on 21st June at solar noon, the light coming through the southern clerestory windows casts a series of nine circles of light perfectly aligned along the center of the nave floor, connecting the narthex to the quire
On winter solstice, the 21st december at solar noon, the sun hits the capitals of the higher part of the nave facing southward with perfect symmetry.
Religious services within the Basilica
The Jerusalem monastic community celebrate religious services three times a day in the choir of the basilica, in four-part harmony in french. The religious services are open to the public (guided visits and photographs are not permitted during these services)
Morning prayer : 7am from Tuesday to Friday (8am in August, saturdays and sundays)
Midday religious service : 12.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday
Vespers : 6pm Tuesday to Sunday
Mass : 6.30pm Monday to Friday – 12.30pm and 7pm Saturday – 11am Sunday
The basilica is open year round from sunrise till sunset – entrance is free of charge.
Annual pilgrimage to Saint Magdalene takes place on the 22nd of July.
