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.
