This basilica, largest church in Auvergne, is built on the Clermont/Cahors pilgrimage route which leads to Santiago de Compostela. vintage Romance, it was built in XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries by the canon counts, in homage to the martyr Saint Julien, whose tomb rests under the basilica.
A true jewel of Brioude and a model ofAuvergne Romanesque art, rich in southern influences, the Basilica of Saint-Julian can be seen from afar, even before visitors arrive in town. With the tip of its polychrome bell tower and its red stone facing, it is impossible to miss the medieval building when approaching Brioude.
However, it would be a shame not to stop there and have a look. Its true treasures can only be seen up close! Let's open our eyes wide!
Many discoveries are indeed to be made in one of the jewels of Romanesque art in Haute-Loire: polychrome stones (red sandstone, limestone sandstone, basalt, granulite, gray and pink marble) which adorn the entire nave, the capitals of the most diverse and beautifully preserved wall paintings from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
The 37 stained glass windows of the basilica, signed by Father Kim En Joong, are much more contemporary since they were made in 2008. They are the ones that bring the particular and original luminosity of this magnificent place of worship in Brivadois.
