Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux

In the heart of Bordeaux, France, stands a magnificent testament to Gothic architecture and religious heritage – the Basilica of St. Michael, locally known as Basilique Saint-Michel de Bordeaux. This awe-inspiring structure is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history, art, and culture that has stood the test of time, captivating visitors from around the globe.

The Historical Tapestry of the Basilica of St. Michael

The Basilica of St. Michael has a storied past that dates back to the 14th century. Its construction spanned over two centuries, finally reaching completion in the 16th century. This lengthy period of development is reflected in the intricate details and grandeur of its Gothic flamboyant style.

The basilica was initially built outside the city walls, in an area known as hors-les-murs. However, the expansion of Bordeaux in the 14th century incorporated this sacred site within the city's third urban enclosure. This development spurred the growth of the surrounding district, which came to be known as the St. Michael district, bustling with merchants and artisans.

The construction of the new church was entrusted to the architect Jean Lebas by King Louis XI. Despite the ongoing construction, a college of canons was established in the church in 1466, marking its importance as a stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The church's construction was supported by donations from various guilds and brotherhoods, although it wasn't completed until the 16th century.

Architectural Marvels and Artistry

The Basilica of St. Michael is a prime example of Gothic flamboyant architecture. Measuring 75 meters in length and 38 meters in width, the basilica's Latin cross layout features a triple nave and a chancel with three polygonal apsidioles. The nave, soaring to a height of 23 meters, is supported by an oblong ribbed vault, echoing the grandeur of its time.

The basilica boasts 17 side chapels, each dedicated to different guilds or brotherhoods. These chapels house numerous works of art, including a 17th-century wooden altarpiece in the Saint-Jacques chapel and a sculpted depiction of the deposition of the cross in the Ferron chapel. The Sainte-Catherine chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, is another highlight.

Among the notable artworks within the basilica is a late 15th-century pietà and a sculpture of Saint Ursula sheltering the martyred virgins of Cologne under her mantle. The nave also features an 18th-century pulpit made of mahogany and marble, crowned with a statue of St. Michael, the basilica's patron saint.

The Towering Spire and Its Tales

One of the most striking features of the Basilica of St. Michael is its independent bell tower, known as the Flèche Saint-Michel. Standing at an impressive 114 meters, it is the tallest bell tower in the south of France and the fourth tallest in the country. This towering spire, designed by architect Jean Lebas, was completed in the 19th century by Paul Abadie, who restored it in the Gothic style.

The bell tower has a fascinating history of its own. It was struck by lightning multiple times and even lost its spire to a hurricane in 1768, reducing its height to 99 meters. Restoration efforts in the 19th century brought it back to its full glory. The tower also houses a carillon of 22 bells, which, after restoration, has been functional since 1999.

The Enigmatic Crypt and the Mummies

Beneath the bell tower lies a crypt that has intrigued visitors for centuries. This crypt once served as an ossuary and later became an exhibition space for mummies discovered during the 1791 excavation of the old parish cemetery. These mummies, preserved by the clay soil, were displayed in the crypt until 1979, when they were reburied in the Chartreuse Cemetery.

A Place of Worship and Heritage

The Basilica of St. Michael was designated a historic monument in 1846 and became a minor basilica in 1903. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the key sites on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in France, a testament to its enduring significance.

The basilica's stained glass windows, largely dating from the 16th, 19th, and 20th centuries, add to its splendor. Notable among them is the Tree of Jesse, with its vibrant reds, yellows, and blues. The modernist stained glass windows in the chancel, created by Max Ingrand, replace those destroyed during World War II bombings.

The Melodious Organs

The basilica's grand organ, with its Louis XV-style case, was built between 1762 and 1765. The organ has undergone several restorations, the most recent being completed in 2011. This magnificent instrument, with its 41 stops, three keyboards, and pedalboard, is a testament to the basilica's rich musical heritage.

In conclusion, the Basilica of St. Michael is not just a place of worship but a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its towering spire, intricate Gothic details, and rich collection of artworks make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the cultural and historical treasures of Bordeaux. As you walk through its hallowed halls, you are not just witnessing the grandeur of a bygone era but also experiencing the timeless spirit of a community that has cherished and preserved this magnificent edifice for centuries.