Notre-Dame de la Daurade

Notre-Dame de la Daurade.

Frankish column from Notre-Dame de la Daurade, Toulouse, carved 400-600 CE.

Notre-Dame de la Daurade is a basilica in Toulouse, France. It was established in 410 when Emperor Honorius allowed the conversion of Pagan temples to Christianity. The original building of Notre-Dame de la Daurade was a temple dedicated to Apollo.^[1]

History

During the 6th century a church was erected, decorated with golden mosaics; the current name derives from the antique name, “Deaurata”, (Latin: aura, gold). It became a Benedictine monastery during the 9th century. After a period of decline starting in the 15th century, the basilica was destroyed in 1761. The buildings were restored and a new church rebuilt, but the monastery was closed during the French Revolution, becoming a tobacco factory.

The current edifice was built during the 19th century.

The church has been listed as a Monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture^[2]; its organ has also been classified^[3].

Seven-sided sanctuary of Notre Dame de la Dorade, with niches decorated with columns.

Notes

1. ^ Notre-Dame de la Daurade
2. ^ (French) Ministry of Culture database entry for Notre-Dame-de-la-Daurade
3. ^ (French) Ministry of Culture database entry for the Organ

Coordinates: 43°36′3″N 1°26′23″E / 43.60083°N 1.43972°E / 43.60083; 1.43972