Church of Gésu

The church was built in the second half of the 19th century (from 1855) by the architect Henry Bach for the Jesuits. In neo-gothic style, painted and richly decorated, stained glass windows by L. V Gesta. The organ built in 1864 and classified as a Historic Monument in 1972 is a masterpiece of the famous organ builder Cavaillé-Coll.

About this building

As the community shrinks, the Jesuits will leave all their activities and sell the church to the City and the former novitiate to the Diocese. The City, after some restoration work and bringing it up to standard, will make the church a place for the organ and for music. The Gesu now hosts concerts and is a place of work and rehearsals for the musical ensembles and structures present all year round. The architect Henri Bach is inspired by 13th century art and stylistically achieves a fusion between northern Gothic and southern production (southern Languedoc neo-Gothic style). While the exterior is uncluttered, the interior is polychrome and its decoration combines floral, geometric, architectural and biblical motifs.

Key Features

  • Stained glass
  • Monuments
  • Social heritage

Visitors information

  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Paul Sourd

Church of Saint-Exupère

For a long time forgotten on cultural tours, the Saint-Exupère church in Toulouse has been experiencing a revival of interest in recent years. If only for its majestic organ or its 14-bell carillon, the fourth most important in the Pink City, whose 140th anniversary was celebrated in November 2017.

JClaude Bilotte

Church of Notre-Dame de la Dalbade

The church Notre-Dame de la Dalbade is located rue de la Dalbade in the district of the Carmes in Toulouse. It should not be confused with the basilica of the Daurade on the quay of the same name. Its current name comes from the old church which preceded it and which was covered with a white plaster (lime), giving it the name of Santa Maria dealbata (Sainte-Marie la blanche). The present building, rather austere on the outside, is typical of southern Gothic architecture. The first church stood from 541 to the end of the 15th century on the site of the first oratory. It was destroyed by fire on October 27, 1442 along with the rest of the district. In spite of its disappearance, the current name of the Dalbade (which derives from the dealbata) is preserved.

Toulouse Cathedral

The origins of the Toulouse Cathedral are difficult to trace. The ruined building was rebuilt in 1071 and is composed of different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Southern Gothic. The building is classified as a historical monument since 1862.