Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre, a picturesque commune in central France, is famous for its remarkable basilica, the Basilique Saint-Jacques. This basilica, dedicated to Saint James the Greater, closely replicates the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A medieval monk added the "h" to the town’s name to highlight the church’s beauty. He combined sepulcrum (tomb) and pulcher (beautiful) to create a unique name.
The original church, completed in 1049, honored Saint James the Greater. Later, Cardinal Eude de Châteauroux returned from the Crusades and proposed a new design inspired by Jerusalem’s church. Pilgrims had reported that the Jerusalem church was modified to fit a rectangular plan. As a result, the builders decided to keep the original nave and ambulatory while adding new elements.
The basilica features a striking 22-meter dome that commands attention. Eleven columns surround the rotunda, symbolizing the Apostles who remained loyal after Judas’s betrayal. This thoughtful design enhances both the church’s beauty and its spiritual significance.
In 1847, authorities recognized the church as a historic monument. Later, in 2006, UNESCO included the basilica in the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. This recognition highlights the basilica’s importance as a key pilgrimage site.
Today, visitors admire the basilica’s unique architecture and rich history. Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre stands as a symbol of medieval craftsmanship and the legacy of the Crusades. The town continues to attract pilgrims and tourists seeking to connect with its spiritual heritage.
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