Skip to main content

Eglise Monolithe Church, Saint-Emilion

Incredible underground church and catacombs

featured in Sights & Sites

This church, sited in the higher part of Saint-Emilion town, is incredible underground feat, carved out of the rock over three centuries.

As large as a cathedral, it was built by Benedictine monks between the 11th and 12th centuries, and is the largest of its kind in Europe. It has a maze of tunnels that include vast catacombs. The bell tower sits an amazing 53m above the town and offers fantastic views over the area...if you have the energy to climb the 196 steps!

You can take a tour of the underground part of the church where you will discover much more about the heritage of Saint Emilion and the story of the monk Emilion who first settled there in the 8th century. There are some beautiful carvings and murals in the Trinity Chapel. Well worth a visit.

When to come

The church is open all year, although it will be much busier during the summer months of July and August.

How to book

There is a charge for the tour and numbers will vary but they will take a maximum of 50 people on each tour. You can book a tour on your arrival or if you wish to book in advance then it would be wise to telephone them. You can also book online using the website link above.

Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

  • La Bataille de Castillon

    July in Bordeaux: What's on and weather

  • Ky-Mani Marley at Nuits du Sud, Vence

    August in Bordeaux: What's on and weather

  • outdoor music concert in bordeaux

    September in Bordeaux: What's on and weather

  • Estivales du Rhone, Avignon

    June in Bordeaux: What's on and weather

  • the ocean waves at l'horizon beach cap ferret

    Best bathing spots in Bordeaux

Events

  • 4 surfers in surf shorts on a podium

    Lacanau Pro Surfing competition

  • Dansons sur les Quais dance event, City of Bordeaux

    Dansons sur les Quais dance event, Bordeaux

  • Les Estivales de Musique en Medoc

    Les Estivales de Musique en Médoc

  • An image of a firework display

    Bastille Day

  • town square with market stalls

    Markets in the Bordeaux region

  • La Bataille de Castillon

    La Bataille de Castillon