Background

Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean: Echoes of Ancient Limoges

Uncover Limoges' Christian origins at the Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean, where ancient ruins whisper tales of faith and history.

Explore the remains of the Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean in Limoges, revealing early Christian history. Discover vestiges of a 5th-century baptistery and a medieval church, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past.

A brief summary to Église et baptistère Saint-Jean

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Limoges Cathedral to see the Portal of Saint John, named for this church.
  • Take time to explore the Place Saint-Étienne, imagining the historical events that unfolded here.
  • Visit the site during daylight hours for best visibility of the archaeological remains.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), walk east along Rue Jean Jaurès, then turn right onto Place de la République. Continue onto Rue du Temple, then turn left onto Rue Porte Panet. Place Saint-Étienne will be on your right. The Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean are located within Place Saint-Étienne. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Limoges-Bénédictins train station, take bus line 4, 24, 32, 35, 36 or 44 to Place Léon Betoulle. From there, walk east along Rue Jean Jaurès, then turn right onto Place de la République. Continue onto Rue du Temple, then turn left onto Rue Porte Panet. Place Saint-Étienne will be on your right. The Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean are located within Place Saint-Étienne. A single bus ticket costs €1.60 and is valid for one hour.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean. The 'Hôtel de Ville' car park on Place des Jacobins and the 'Jourdan' car park offer convenient access. Parking rates vary, with the first 30 minutes often free. Be aware of limited parking durations in certain zones.

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Discover more about Église et baptistère Saint-Jean

The Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean in Limoges offers a unique window into the city's early Christian roots. Located on Place Saint-Étienne, these vestiges include remnants of a 5th-century baptistery and a church consecrated in 1219. Though the church itself was destroyed, archaeological excavations have unearthed significant elements, including a baptismal pool resting on a thick foundation of tile concrete, showcasing ancient construction techniques. These discoveries suggest that the baptistery, oriented towards the east, is likely the oldest Christian structure in Limoges. The site provides a tangible connection to the city's distant past, inviting contemplation on the evolution of Limoges through the centuries. While the visible remains may be modest, their historical importance and the insights they offer into early Christian practices make this a compelling site for history enthusiasts. The remains of the Église et Baptistère Saint-Jean are classified as historical monuments since 2009.

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