Notre-Dame du Taur

You’re now in front of the church of Notre-Dame du Taur. It dates back to the 3rd century and it was built on the exact spot where the body of Martyr Saint Sernin was found. The city’s first bishop was martyred by the Romans, who tied him to a bull and dragged him through Tolosa. Mind you, for the polytheistic Romans, Christians and their one and only God were outlaws, and were thus frequently martyred. This church was therefore built in honor of St. Sernin, on the spot where his body was untied from the bull. If you wish to learn more about the story of its construction, look for the golden fresco above the altar. You’ll also find a beautiful black Madonna, a statue of Notre-Dame du Rempart, as well as a bull’s head carved into the back of the church in memory of the martyr. Unfortunately, you may not be able to enter the church, as it is currently undergoing renovation. It is due to reopen at the end of 2025.