Relics of Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
InsideSaint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Basilica of Mary Magdalene
The relics venerated as Mary Magdalene’s at Saint-Maximin
Understand sacred places, explore living traditions, and learn how to engage respectfully with Pilgrim Map.
Access has not been verified. Check current local guidance before planning a visit.
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Var, France
Read the sources
Image of Skelton of Mary Magdalene at Saint Maximin la Sainte-Baume. Image source · Public Domain
Visit essentials
A quick read before you go
- Access
- Confirm that the crypt is accessible during your intended basilica visit.
- Etiquette
- This is a place of worship.
Overview
This entry concerns the relic within Saint-Maximin’s basilica. The skull is displayed in a gold reliquary in the crypt. Visit the basilica to reach it; the atlas entries describe a place and an object within that place.
The relic remains part of living devotion even though the identity of the remains is unresolved.
Experience and orientation
Use the basilica’s visitor information for access. Give people praying space and follow any restrictions around the display.
This is part of a basilica visit, not an additional journey between sites.
Context and lineage
The Provençal burial tradition connects Mary Magdalene with Maximin after her retreat at Sainte-Baume. In 1279, the discovery of remains at Saint-Maximin gave that account a new material focus. Religious recognition and the construction of the pilgrimage basilica followed.
The relic’s history is therefore also the history of a community preserving and venerating what it received as the remains of a saint.
Traditions and practice
The relic is an object of Christian veneration.
Roman Catholic Christianity
ActiveThe relics are venerated as Mary Magdalene’s within the local Christian tradition.
Perspectives and open questions
Devotional attribution, the history of a reliquary and forensic examination answer different questions.
Scholarly perspective
The 2019 study describes the 1974 examination as anthropological. Its conclusion calls for further work beginning with carbon dating and DNA extraction. It does not establish a first-century date or identify the remains as Mary Magdalene’s. A facial reconstruction cannot by itself authenticate that identity.
Living and traditional perspectives
The name of the relic reflects its veneration within the local Christian tradition.
Plan your visit
Access and arrival
Confirm that the crypt is accessible during your intended basilica visit. Current services and local instructions take precedence over a general travel plan.
Respectful visit
Follow the basilica’s guidance for church visitors.
Follow the signs and the custodians’ instructions before taking photographs.
Do not assume permission to touch the display or photograph worshippers.
Current practical details
Address
Parvis Charles II d'Anjou, 10 Pl. de L Hôtel de ville, 83470 Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, France
Phone
Hours
Hours, fees, and access can change — verify on the official source before you travel. Practical details last checked Jun 2026.
Location
Map loads as you approach this section.
Pilgrim reflections
A portrait of encounter, not a score
Pilgrims describe what they felt, how present they could become, and whether the place would shape a journey. There are no stars and no ranking of traditions.
No reviewed reflections yet
The first pilgrims can help describe the character of being here.
Share a reflection
Available after an account-backed “Been there.” Every reflection is reviewed before publication.
Nearby sacred places
Explore other sacred places in the region. Proximity does not establish access or travel time; check each place’s guidance.
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Basilica of Mary Magdalene
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Var, France
0.0 km away
Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Saint-Maximin
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Var), France
0.0 km away
Chapelle du Saint-Pilon
Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, Var, France
16.0 km away
Grotte de la Sainte-Baume
Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Var), France
16.1 km away
References
Sources consulted for this page. Source categories describe the publication, not a guarantee that every claim is verified. Traditional accounts and outside interpretations may differ.
- 01The relics of Mary-Magdalene — Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur TourismofficialRelic location and devotional context; not used to authenticate the remains.
- 02Computer-Aided Facial Reconstruction of “Mary-Magdalene” Relics Following Hair and Skull Analyses (2019) — Philippe Charlier and colleaguesacademicIntroduction: 1974 anthropological examination. Conclusion: carbon dating remains further work; no scientific identification as Mary Magdalene.
- 03Sur les pas de Marie Madeleine — Provence Verte & Verdon TourismofficialVisitor orientation, worship etiquette and tourist-office guide resources; checked 2026-09-12. Timetables must be reconfirmed.
Photo gallery
2 curated photos
Share a photo
Help visitors recognize Relics of Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. Every submission is reviewed before publication.