Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church

Eglise Monolithe which includes heritage elements
Eglise Monolithe showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Eglise Monolithe showing a church or cathedral
Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church
Eglise Monolithe featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral


Among the architectural highlights of St. Émilion is this one-of-a-kind church, which was carved out of limestone rock in the 12th century.

East of Bordeaux is St. Émilion, a picturesque Girondin town dominated by the Église Monolithe (Monolithic Church), a medieval church with a distinctive bell tower. The church was given its name because it was made out of a single block of stone, although the bell tower was added later. Explore the site and climb to the top of the tower for views over the quaint village and surrounding vineyards.

In the 8th century, a Benedictine monk lived in a cave in this valley. The monolithic church was carved out of the same rocks as that cave. Marvel at the proportions of this structure, one of the largest churches of its kind in Europe.

Enter the church from the market square. As you pass through the arch, look for a carved religious relief. At the other end of the arch, walk into the surprisingly large church nave. It is estimated that about 530,000 cubic feet (15,000 cubic meters) of rock were excavated in order to construct the church. The nave, which is 65 feet (20 meters) tall, is lit naturally by small windows carved from the rock.

Take a tour of all of St. Émilion's underground sites to learn about the monk's story in the cave where he lived. Guides will provide extra information about the church too. Tours are run every day during peak visitor season. Purchase tickets from the tourist office.

Ascend 196 steps to the top of the bell tower. Gaze down below to the winding streets, which weave around the red-tiled roofs of the village. In the distance is the King's Tower, a 13th-century fortification of unknown purpose. Surrounding the village are vineyards, which are famous for growing merlot grapes.

St. Émilion is about an hour away from Bordeaux-Merignac Airport. Find the Église Monolithe in the center of town. A long-term, metered car park is available in the northern part of the village.

Tours & day trips

See all 54 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 16 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 10 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church Hotel Deals

Chateau Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail

Chateau Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail

5 out of 5
Route De Libourne D 243, Saint-Émilion, Gironde
Chateau Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail
Logis de la Cadène

Logis de la Cadène

4 out of 5
3 place du Marché au Bois, Saint-Émilion
Logis de la Cadène
Auberge de la Commanderie

Auberge de la Commanderie

3 out of 5
2 Rue Porte Brunet, Saint-Émilion, Gironde
Auberge de la Commanderie
Hôtel de Pavie

Hôtel de Pavie

5 out of 5
5 Place Du Clocher, Saint-Émilion, Gironde
Hôtel de Pavie
Badon Boutique Hôtel

Badon Boutique Hôtel

4 out of 5
8 Rue de la Porte Bouqueyre, Saint-Émilion, NAQ
Badon Boutique Hôtel
Clos 1906

Clos 1906

14 lieu dit la Gaffeliere Ouest, Saint-Émilion
Clos 1906
Ibis Saint Emilion

Ibis Saint Emilion

3 out of 5
Lieu-dit du Bois de l'Or, Route de Castillon, Saint-Émilion, Gironde
Ibis Saint Emilion
Château de Ferrand

Château de Ferrand

Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Hippolyte, Gironde
Château de Ferrand
Les Grands Vignobles

Les Grands Vignobles

3 out of 5
181, Avenue de l'Epinette, Libourne, Gironde
Les Grands Vignobles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.