BASILIQUE SAINT-JUST DE VALCABRÈRE

    The Basilica of Saint-Just Valcabrère is a Romanesque building from the 11th and 12th centuries and is known as one of the ancient stops for pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago, a World Heritage Site.  One kilometer east of Notre-Dame de Saint-Bertrand de Comminges, the basilica is mentioned for the first time in the Book of Miracles of Vital, the biographer of St-Bertrand, suggesting that it has been occupied since the Roman era.  The current basilica was consecrated in 1200 by Bishop of St. Vital Bertrand's lawyer, suggesting occupation since Roman times.  There is evidence from excavations that the site was occupied as early as the 4th century.  Remains of ancient sarcophagi can be found around the structure as well as in the cemetery.  The current basilica was consecrated in 1200 by Bishop Raymond-Arnaud de Labarthe.  Access to the basilica is done by first entering the cemetery, whose entrance gate, from the 13th century, was listed as a Historical Monument in 1926.  Stones from the Roman city of Lugdunum Convenarum were used in its construction.  Bas-reliefs, columns and capitals from the Roman period were reused throughout the basilica.  The portal is surmounted by a tympanum of Christ seated with his right hand raised in blessing while the left hand holding the word of God.  He is surrounded by the four Evangelists Mark, John, Matthew and Luke.  In turn, they are surmounted by two angels.  On each side of the portal are columns carved in the images of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Just Saint-Pasteur as well as Sainte-Hélène while the capitals above are carved with stories that tell of their martyrdom.  The image of Sainte- Hélène is of particular interest as she is responsible for bringing a relic of the true cross back to France.  At one time, the basilica had a piece of the true cross for veneration by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostlla.  Sadly, I arrived while the basilica was closed and I was unable to take any pictures of the interior.