This Hidden French Cathedral Survived Revolution And War. What's Inside Will Leave You Speechless
Sens Cathedral, one of the earliest Gothic churches, houses relics of Thomas Becket and fragments of the true cross and crown of thorns.
Why Sens Cathedral Is One of Europe's Most Important Christian Landmarks You've Never Heard Of
Most visitors to France never look beyond Paris. But just 80 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport lies Sens, a city of about 27,000 that was once a major center of Christian power and religious authority.
Sens Cathedral, formally known as St. Stephen's Cathedral, dates to the early 12th century and stands as one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. The revolutionary pointed arch was not merely decorative but an engineering breakthrough that transformed how churches and cathedrals could be built.
What makes this cathedral especially compelling is its remarkable survival. While the French Revolution proved catastrophic for many churches across France, whose interiors were stripped or repurposed, Sens escaped the worst of the destruction.
Among its treasures are four 12th century stained glass windows, an 18th century choir screen, and the imposing marble mausoleum of Louis, the dauphin of France, son of King Louis XV and father of three future kings: Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X.
The cathedral also holds a notable place in Christian history through its association with Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury. During his exile from England after his conflict with King Henry II, Becket found refuge in Sens. Relics associated with Becket can still be seen at the recently reopened Sens Museum, housed in the former archbishop's palace.
The museum also preserves other relics that attest to the city's former prominence in medieval religious life, including fragments traditionally identified as belonging to the true cross and the crown of thorns.
According to Dennis Lennox, who writes a travel column for The Christian Post, the medieval objects on display were not mere curiosities but focal points of devotion that drew pilgrims from across the Christian world.
Sens Cathedral: A Hidden Treasure of Early Gothic Architecture and Christian Heritage in France
Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in Vezelay served as the setting for the preaching of the Second Crusade in 1146 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a sermon by Becket in 1166, and the departure of King Richard the Lionheart and King Philip II of France for the Third Crusade in 1190.
Sens Cathedral, along with Our Lady of the Assumption in Villeneuve sur Yonne and the basilica in Vezelay, are all open daily with no admission charge. The Sens Museum is also free to visit.
The Crusader's Opinion
Stories like this remind us that Christendom built Western civilization stone by stone. Every Gothic arch, every stained glass window, every relic preserved through centuries of revolution and war testifies to the unshakeable faith of our ancestors. While the modern world tries to erase our heritage and pretend Europe was not built on the blood, sweat and prayers of Christians, places like Sens Cathedral stand as undeniable proof. The Crusaders departed from these very grounds. Thomas Becket found sanctuary in these walls. We owe it to our forebears to visit, to remember, and to never let the secular world strip these sacred places of their Christian identity.
Take Action
- Plan a pilgrimage to Sens Cathedral and the surrounding Christian heritage sites. Visit the Sens Tourist Office website for English language planning resources and guided tours.
- Support the preservation of Christian heritage in Europe by donating to The Shepherd's Shield.
- Share this article with your church community and encourage fellow Christians to explore the roots of Western Christendom beyond the typical tourist destinations.
- Visit the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in Vezelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and starting point for the Way of St. James pilgrimage.
- Pray for the continued preservation of Christian heritage sites across Europe and for the renewal of faith in a continent that increasingly turns away from its Christian foundations.
