Saint-Philibert de Tournus

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In the 2nd century, Saint Valerien converted Tournus to Christianity before he was martyred. In the 9th century, a group of monks from Normandy, fleeing viking invaders brought the relics of St. Philibert to Tournus, and founded an abbey on the site of St. Valerian's grave. Over the centuries, the site was expanded, shifting from Romanesque to Gothic. The abbey church, built around the 11th century is perhaps the oldest of its kind in existence, with the abbey complex being the only extant group from the era. While the church exterior is heavily built with few windows, inside visitors will find a 12th century mosaic depicting the zodiac, and medieval frescoes. Below, the 10th century crypt is eerily beautiful with its rows of sweeping arches and decorated columns. For a breath of fresh air, head to the cloister, which feels more like a private park thanks to its trimmed hedges.