Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica

A Masterpiece of Roman Art

This imposing religious building, saved from ruin by Viollet–le–Duc, a jewel of Romanesque art, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 40 years. Thousands of people flock to discover or re–discover this edifice built on the Way of St James.

In the 9th century, the abbey of Vézelay, then a simple Benedictine monastery, became one of the high places of medieval faith thanks to its relics of Mary Magdalene. Its facade is dark and humble, its plan forms a Latin cross. Walking around the building gives an idea of its size: over 120m long!

Come and admire the capitals, a Medieval comic strip in 99 episodes overflowing with imagination

The crypt

A narrow staircase leads to the crypt where you will discover the relics of Mary Magdalene enshrined in a gilded bronze reliquary. In 2015, meticulous restoration work brought to light polychromatic wall paintings from the twelfth century, including a keystone of “Christ in Glory“.

BASILIQUE DE VZL-VZL-2022-CREDITOTGV-MDP(102)

From shadow to light

On the summer solstice, 21st June at solar noon, the sun at its zenith enters the basilica through the southern windows and draws a path of light on the ground in the central axis of the nave; nine perfectly aligned patches of light lead from the narthex to the choir. On winter solstice, 21st December at solar noon, the sun hits the capitals of the upper parts of the nave looking south in perfect alignment.

Guided Tours and Religious Services

Guided Tours:

Year round with La Maison du Visiteur; on Sundays from Easter to 1st November, and daily in July and August with fraternité monastique de Jérusalem. You can also hire an audio-guide from the Tourist Information Office

Religious services :

Check the timetable on the web site fraternité monastique

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A Masterpiece of Roman Art

This imposing religious building, saved from ruin by Viollet–le–Duc, a jewel of Romanesque art, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 40 years. Thousands of people flock to discover or re–discover this edifice built on the Way of St James.

In the 9th century, the abbey of Vézelay, then a simple Benedictine monastery, became one of the high places of medieval faith thanks to its relics of Mary Magdalene. Its facade is dark and humble, its plan forms a Latin cross. Walking around the building gives an idea of its size: over 120m long!

Come and admire the capitals, a Medieval comic strip in 99 episodes overflowing with imagination

The crypt

A narrow staircase leads to the crypt where you will discover the relics of Mary Magdalene enshrined in a gilded bronze reliquary. In 2015, meticulous restoration work brought to light polychromatic wall paintings from the twelfth century, including a keystone of “Christ in Glory“.

From shadow to light

Guided Tours and Religious Services

Guided Tours:

Religious services :