"A rib bone in a crypt that once claimed an entire saint, testifying to seven centuries of Magdalene devotion"
Reliquary of Saint Mary Magdalene at Vézelay
Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Beneath Vézelay's great Romanesque basilica, in a crypt that has survived Revolution and restoration, a gold-and-glass reliquary holds a small, age-darkened bone. For seven centuries, Vézelay claimed Mary Magdalene's entire body; now only this rib remains, given by the rival shrine at Saint-Maximin in an act of reconciliation. Pilgrims still descend to pray where kings once knelt.
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Quick Facts
Location
Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
47.4660, 3.7484
Last Updated
Jan 18, 2026
The reliquary represents Vézelay's Magdalene history: centuries as premier shrine, rival claims, destruction, and reconciliation with Saint-Maximin.
Origin Story
Monks claimed Magdalene's relics in the 9th century. Pope authenticated 1058. Pilgrims came by thousands—including kings, crusaders, and Francis of Assisi. In 1279, Saint-Maximin announced 'true' relics; Vézelay's claims collapsed. Wars of Religion destroyed most remaining relics. Current rib bone is a gift from Saint-Maximin—reconciliation between medieval rivals.
Key Figures
Abbot Geoffroy
'Discovered' relics in 11th century
King Louis IX
Visited 1267 exhumation
Saint-Maximin Dominicans
Gave current rib bone
Spiritual Lineage
Part of France's rich Magdalene relic tradition (Saint-Maximin skull, Vézelay rib, numerous fragments elsewhere). Crypt intact since Romanesque period.
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