The village
The site owes its selection as a cultural landscape first and foremost to the limestone. In addition to its importance in the quality of the wine, the rock was used to construct city buildings, and those of the entire Jurisdiction over the centuries: houses, walls, churches, monasteries and estates. The exploitation and trade of this mineral rock ran for ten centuries, from the 10th to the 19th century. The architect Victor Louis even used it to build the famous Grand Théâtre in Bordeaux. But more surprisingly, the quarry itself is located in the bowels of the rocky promontory on which the city is built. Two hundred kilometers of underground tunnels (sometimes several levels) snake under your feet. These underground tunnels served as a means of circulation in the Middle Ages, and especially during the Hundred Years’ War. The nobles of the city are buried there. And it is also here that the largest monolithic church in Europe city was excavated.
People of note from the area
The Gaudet family, an old, prominent family from Saint Emilion, included Elie Gaudet, who was a member of the "Gironde" party (see "Bordeaux - Port of the Moon") and Joseph Gaudet, who was a historian.
A tasty tradition that continues …
Macarons! This delicious specialty was transmitted from generation to generation. Its recipe dates back to 1620 when the Ursuline Sisters established their convent in Saint-Emilion.
Guided Tours
Guided tours offered by Saint Emilion Tourist Office
The monolithic church, the catacombs, the Grotte de l’Ermitage and the Chapelle de la Trinité can only be visited through the Tourist Office’s guided tours (see "Tourist Office”).
The monolithic church
Place de l’église monolithe, 33330 Saint Emilion
One of the wonders of the city. The church can only be visited through Tourist Office, which offers guided tours of the church and the Grotte de l’Ermite (Cave of the Hermit) (Tour: "Saint-Emilion Underground") .
Built next to the Hermitage d’Emilion between the 11th and 12th centuries, the monolithic church of Saint-Emilion is an exceptional monument. It is entirely carved out of limestone, a colossal project for the time period. Only the bell tower was built, becoming the highest point of the village. It is the largest monolithic church in Europe. The nave is 20 meters high, its two aisles supported by imposing pillars. The tympanum of the doorway is decorated with images of the Last Judgment and the Resurrection of the dead. Above the choir, the church features a beautiful bas-relief composed of an angel, a man fighting against a monster and in the center, the Grail. A well was drilled in the roof to allow the passage of cords from the bell tower, located just above on the Place des Créneaux.
The bell tower of the monolithic church
Place des Créneaux, 33330 Saint Emilion
Price: €2. Free for children under 6 years old.
The tower, in a Gothic architectural style, is composed of three floors built between the 12th and 16th centuries, and strengthened the 18th century. The tower rises to 133 meters above the Place du Marché. Once the 196 steps have been climbed, visitors can admire a magnificent panorama of the city and surrounding vineyards!
The Catacombs
The catacombs are located on the left side of the underground church. They served as a funeral chapel and cemetery. Up above, a hole can be distinguished in the dome, through which the bodies were lowered.
The grotte de l’ermitage
Place de l’église monolithe, 33330 Saint Emilion
The Hermitage Cave is located beneath the Chapelle de la Trinité. Dating from the 8th century, it was the retreat of the monk Emilion.
The Hermitage Cave is the oldest piece of evidence of settlement on the site. Part of a natural cavern, this vault-shaped cave was carved into the rock in the form of a cross. Visitors can still see places for the bed and seat of the saint, and at the back a statue of Emilion sits above the altar. The legend has it that the spring located on the site has miraculous powers. It feeds a public fountain located lower in the city.
The Chapelle de la Trinité
Place de l’église monolithe, 33330 Saint Emilion
Located above the underground church, the Trinity Chapel was built by Benedictine monks in honor of the patron saint of the city (Emilion).
This chapel is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the 13th century in the region. Today, visitors can admire the apse and nave (rebuilt in the 15th century), which converge to the Mystic Lamb, as well as the Gothic wall paintings from the 15th century. Careful observation will allow visitors to identify the various building campaigns that were initiated over the centuries (the framework dates back to the 18th century).
The Tour du Roy (1237)
Price: €2. Free for children under 6 years old.
At 32 meters, the Romanesque Tour du Roy or Château du Roi (King’s Castle), was one of the defensive elements from the ancient fortress thought to have been built in the 13th century by King Henry III of England, Duke of Aquitaine. It served this purpose until the 16th century, during which it was converted into a town hall until 1720. It is the only Romanesque donjon (fortified tower) still visible in Gironde.
Today, it serves as the topmost place of celebration for the Jurade proclamation of the judgment of the new wine and the opening of the harvest season (See "The Jurade"). Features stunning views of the city.
Château Villemaurine
Lieu dit Villemaurine, 33330 Saint Emilion
Website - tel : 05 57 74 74 36.
Price: €15 / Children under 18 years old: €6. Free for children under 12 years old
Open daily: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m./ 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and in winter 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A short walk from the city center, the Château Villemaurine features a unique network of quarries. Exploring the underground quarries is done in the company of a guide and a lantern. Visitors will learn about winemaking and geology. Wine tasting available on site.