The Saint-Sernin basilica in Toulouse is getting a makeover, it’s time for a year of work
You may have noticed the huge scaffolding installed on the main entrance of the Saint-Sernin basilica in Toulouse. Of the renovations must begin in September until July 2023. This is the second phase of the project, after a first phase dedicated to the pedestrianization of the square as well as the waterproofing and restoration of the interior paintings at a cost of 15 million.
This time the town hall commit nearly 2 million euros. This site required several weeks of preparation for the necessary and expected lifting. Remember, already during the first phase of the work, which led to the pedestrianization of the square, a large tarp already protected the western massif, that’s what we call the entrance facing the Saint-Raymond museum .
This work had become essential, details Francis Grass, the assistant in charge of culture.
“There has been a need for this restoration for years. Besides, you just have to look, look up and you can see how bad some parts are. We need a spectacular technical installation with umbrella protections at the top. But we must not forget that there is aesthetics, but there is also the conservation of a monument, because a monument like that is an absolutely phenomenal monument. one of the jewels of Toulouse, but it deteriorates over time, and all the time.”
A competition to replace the rosette
Outside, many bricks, stones and statues are degraded. Inside, it is necessary to review the frame, the cover. The organ must be protected. A renovation to ensure proper conservation of the basilica built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Today is the most visited monument in Toulouse (nearly a million people a year) and it remains open throughout the duration of the works.
The town hall of Toulouse will also launch a contest to replace the rosette on the facade of the grand entrance of the Saint-Sernin basilica, and intends to take advantage of the site to improve the visit to the building and offer new features.