St Martin's Basilica

This is the Basilica built in the 19th century. The original one was damaged in various wars and largely destroyed after the Revolution. It's a great pity, as the medieval one must have been spectacular. The current one is a very substantial church, as big as some cathedrals, and only occupies a fraction of the area of the old one - much of which is now a shopping street.

The current shrine is in the crypt and was created quite recently on the site of St Martin's tomb. It is a lovely place for quiet and prayer.

Martin was a Roman soldier who met a beggar suffering in the cold. He cut his cloak in half to share with the beggar; that night he dreamt that he saw Christ wrapped in the cloak, and was converted to Christianity. "As much as ye did this for the least of my brethren ......"