Basilica of St. Urbain

The Basilica of St. Urbain (Basilique Saint-Urbain) is a 13th-century Gothic church in Troyes, Grand Est, whose construction was initiated by Pope Urban IV. It is one of the principal examples of high medieval Gothic architecture in the town.

The church is noted for its vaulted nave and choir, stained glass, and carved portals, and it retains a medieval layout and decorative program despite later restorations. Visitors study its architecture and stained-glass cycles as representative of the period.

Commissioned in the mid-13th century and developed under papal patronage, the basilica has since been conserved and restored while continuing to serve liturgical functions within Troyes.

Saint-Urbain stands in the historic centre of Troyes, within the town’s medieval street pattern and close to other civic and religious monuments.

• Founding patron: Construction began under the patronage of Pope Urban IV in the 13th century, and the church is a noted example of Gothic architecture in Troyes.

What to See#

• Nave and choir: The vaulted nave and choir containing stained glass and sculptural decoration representative of 13th-century Gothic work.
• Façade and portals: Decorative façades and portals showing high medieval Gothic carving and later restorations.

The basilica is in the historic centre of Troyes, easily reached on foot from the town’s main squares and a short drive from the A5 motorway.

• Check the church calendar for midday services which can be a good time to hear the choir in a restored acoustic space.
• Study the façade details; the church's later Gothic additions were carefully restored after wartime damage.
• Ask at the parish office about guided visits to the interior chapels and stained glass.