THIRD TOMB of Christianity

Basilique Ste Marie-Madeleine
Bordered by the Massif de la Sainte Baume, Mont Aurélien and the Montagne de la Sainte Victoire, Saint-Maximin extends on a plain of vineyards at 300 meters. The city of "Green Provence", which was originally a Roman Christian city, owes its fame to the richness of a history marked by the life of Mary Magdalene. The relics of the holy were discovered in 1280 in a crypt dating from the 4th century. Charles II of Anjou, Count of Provence, nephew of St. Louis of France, ordered, in agreement with Pope Boniface VIII, the construction of a basilica and a monastery.
The work of all starts in 1295. The Basilica is located on the site of the original church was designed to Homel many pilgrims. It took 250 years to give its current, unfinished work.
The large building will never be ready for its rose window, its portal and its bell tower. The Basilica remains the largest Gothic building in the South East of France. Its dimensions are impressive. Great nave which spans 9 is 29 and 2 meters to 16.60 meters collateral. Its length, however, is 72.60 meters. The Crypt, shrine of the Basilica, contains 4 beautiful sarcophagi of the 4th and 5th centuries. That Mary Magdalene is in marble of very late imperial quarries from the Sea of Marmara near Constantinople. The other 3 would be those of Saint Maximin, Saint Sidoine, Saint Marcel and Suzanne.
The gilt bronze reliquary containing the skull of St. Mary Magdalene, designed by Revoil, when the 191st century. Below, a glass tube contains a flap of flesh, the "noli me tangere". These words, "do not touch me", were uttered by Christ on the morning of his resurrection, touching fingertips the front of the Saint.
In the north aisle, one discovers a remarkable: The Altarpiece of the Passion. This masterpiece of Antoine Ronzen consists of paintings of the sixteenth century, recalling the scenes of the Passion of Christ.
Over the main door, the organ, known worldwide, is the work of Brother John Dominicain Spirit Isnard. Built in 1773, it consists of a double buffet, 4 keyboards and 2960 pipes. He was saved at the Revolution by Lucien Bonaparte who had played "La Marseillaise" to the arrival of Barras.

The Royal Couvent
Next to the north of the Basilica, the Royal was completed in the 15th century. The Dominicans were settled in 1316. They were not handouts, but income from the prior, the King of France. They finally left the scene in 1957. The cells of the monks have been converted into bedrooms. It is now a hotel-restaurant which organized cultural events and music. The Old Chapel, the Refectory and the Cloisters are open to visits. The present town hall dates from 1750 and was used to accommodate guests from prestigious pilgrimage.

The Old Town
South of the Basilica is the medieval quarter with a porch dating from the 13th century was home to merchants. It overlooks the medieval old Jewish quarter in which it remains beautiful arcades. Opposite the Museum Louis Rostan was originally a large tank, after being abandoned in the 14th century, was converted into a prison.

Festivities
April to September: Organ Recital, Basilica of Saint Maximin, every Sunday at 17 pm
Early June: Feast of the horse.
July / August: Festival of Music and Royal Basilica.
Late July: Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.
Last weekend of August: Grand Prix National Bouliste.
3rd weekend in November: Exhibition Santon.
2nd weekend in December: Exhibition of amateur painters,