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Mary Magdalene Basilica, Saint Maximinin

10 Place de L Hôtel de ville, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Mary Magdalene Basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, a town located in the Var department, is one of Provence's most important religious buildings. It was built between 1295 and 1532 in a predominantly gothic style and holds several relics of Mary Magdalene, including her skull, which were claimed to have been discovered in the crypt of Saint-Maximin in 1273. It is also known for its playing organ and its sarcophagi. Architecturally, the building is notable for its flying buttresses, its facade and its volume: 73m long, 43m wide and 29m high.

Access & Transport

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is a 35mins bus ride (LER 20) from Aix-en-Provence. By car, it is 40km to the east of Aix-en-Provence (A8 expressway), 65km northeast of Marseille and 65km north of Toulon.

Instructions & Recommendations

Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of the town of Saint Maximin and processions are organized for several days around 22 July every year.

Meta review

Online reviews for the basilica are overall excellent with visitors highlighting the gigantic size of the building, quite unexpected in the Provence countryside, and the architectural prowess of the builders. There seems to be sufficient information available onsite about the several chapels and the crypt's content. Some recurring comments that more renovation works are necessary to enhance the various decoration and artwork.

Environmental & Social

The running environmental footprint is low and it helps maintain the region's architectural and historical heritage. Tourism brings some economic influx to the town.

Conclusion

The Mary Magdalene Basilica is one of the architectural highlights of Provence and combines a long history with worshipped relics and excellent craftmanship. A must-see monuments for those keen on cultural activities and planning a trip in the region or as a day-trip from Marseille or Toulon.

Key positive

Magnificent gothic architecture

Interesting crypt and history relating to the relics

Key negative

Some of the artwork is in need of restoration

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Sunday mass is at 10h30 and on other days at 8h00 and 18h30

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Monday07:30 - 19:00

Tuesday07:30 - 19:00

Wednesday07:30 - 19:00

Thursday07:30 - 19:00

Friday07:30 - 19:00

Saturday07:30 - 19:00

Sunday07:30 - 19:00

Pricing
Free

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