Notre-Dame du Taur Church, Toulouse

Notre-Dame du Taur is a Roman Catholic church steeped in history and legend, situated in the heart of Toulouse. This historic church designated a monument since 1840, lies on Taur Street (Rue du Taur), strategically positioned between the Capitole and the Basilica of Saint Sernin. It marks the spot where, according to tradition, the body of Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse and the city's patron saint, was detached from the bull that dragged him to his death—a dramatic act of martyrdom occurring around 250 AD.

The church's name, Notre Dame du Taur, carries rich symbolism from its history. "Notre Dame," linked to Mary, emphasizes its dedication to her after a statue was moved there in 1783. "Taur," reflecting the Latin word for bull, "Taurus," represents Saint Saturnin's martyrdom tool. Initially, Saint Sernin, related to Saturnin, was a crucial stop for pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela, vital in medieval religious journeys.

Constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, Notre-Dame du Taur showcases the Southern French Gothic architectural style, characterized by its modest, less ornate aesthetics compared to its Northern counterparts. The façade features a cloche-mur (bell tower wall), a common architectural element in the region, flanked by small hexagonal towers and adorned with crenelations.

The church's interior is marked by a single aisle capped with a ribbed vault, leading to a transept that opens into two apsidal chapels at the eastern end. It houses significant artworks, including a 19th-century painting by Toulouse artist Bernard Bénézet depicting the martyrdom of Saint Saturnin and the Glorification of the Virgin. Other notable pieces include a Death of Saint Joseph and additional paintings representing Saturnin's martyrdom, as well as a 14th-century genealogy of Saint Joseph.

Central to the church's spiritual life is the wooden statue of Mary, positioned in the center of the apse, making it a focal point upon entry. This statue, alongside other sacred relics like the Pieta in the north chapel and a statue of Saint Anne in the south chapel, enriches the church's religious and artistic heritage.