Church of the Cordeliers

The Franciscan church, built in the fourteenth century, was intended to serve the Franciscan convent, which were installed Toulouse from 1222 in a parcel while among the current streets of the Acts of the Quorum of Foix, Albert Lautmann and Deville.

When it is completed, with its 86 m long, its 26 m wide and high arch to 25 m above ground, it is the most imposing church in the city after the Saint-Sernin basilica. Decorated with murals, with a stone portal which contrasts with the high brick facade of 30 m and pierced by a rose window, overlooking the current street Deville, then the church has a famous crypt. This has the singularity can maintain in good condition the bodies of the deceased who are transferred are: number of illustrious families Toulouse then choose to bury their relatives there.

If the convent itself was burned and rebuilt after the Wars of Religion, the Cordeliers church then knows many vicissitudes.

The nave collapsed partly in 1738 but it was rebuilt. Sold as national property in 1794, then the building houses a telegraph station and the army are stored forages. However, in March 1871 a terrible fire destroyed the church. Only the bell tower is preserved. With the departure of the arches of the south portal, today is the main element of the remains of the church, which are subject to protection as historical monuments.

Some sculptures could also be saved (capitals, gargoyles) and are at present at the Musée des Augustins.

The site of the former Franciscan church may stake a tour of the historic center of the city. Information 08 92180180.