Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Basilica of Mary Magdalene

The basilica rises over the place associated with the medieval discovery of the Magdalene relics. Inside, the crypt and its marble sarcophagi connect the pilgrimage church with an older funerary setting.

The choir stalls, Passion altarpiece and monumental organ give visitors other ways to read the building’s history. The relic has its own atlas entry, but it is housed within this basilica, not at another stop in town.

Begin with the building, then follow the on-site guidance for the crypt. The local tourist office provides information about self-guided and guided visits. Check access to the part you want to see, particularly if your visit coincides with worship.

For the relic, use the basilica destination and confirm crypt access on arrival.

In the Provençal tradition recounted in the historical introduction to the 2019 relic study, Mary Magdalene leaves her mountain retreat as death approaches and joins Maximin. He buries her at the place later associated with the shrine.

Centuries later, excavations sponsored by Charles II of Anjou in 1279 uncovered remains identified by the religious authorities as hers. Construction of the basilica began in 1295. The building expresses the importance of that recognition to the community; recognition of a relic and scientific identification of a person are different claims.

Local celebrations honour Mary Magdalene around 22 July; check the current programme before arranging a visit around an event.

A pilgrimage church can be understood through both the devotion it houses and the history of its building.

Continue through the atlas by country, tradition, physical form, or a focused search that combines this place’s strongest context.

Explore other sacred places in the region. Proximity does not establish access or travel time; check each place’s guidance.

Relics of Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

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

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.

1. 01Basilique de Saint-Maximin — Provence Verte & Verdon TourismofficialBuilding, crypt, sarcophagi and furnishings. Omit inconsistent pipe counts and the erroneous royal title used on this page.
2. 02Sur 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.
3. 03Computer-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.