Toulouse photo gallery - Couvent des Jacobins

The Gothic convent dates back to the 13th century and construction spanned over 2 centuries. In 1368, Pope Urban V transferred relics of St. Thomas Aquinas, a member of the Dominican Order, to Toulouse from Italy.

The Dominican order was banned following the revolution and Napoleon turned the convent into barracks. There were also various other uses in the following years from exhibition grounds to safehouse for Parisian museums during war.

Visitors can enter the church for free to see its stone palm tree with 22 leaf veins across the ceiling.

A small 5 euro admission charge is required to enter the cloister. There are a lot of information boards about the simple life of its occupants. Pray, study, preach, and repeat.

Unlike monks, Dominican friars were allowed to head outside the convent while the faithful could enter the church. Given its location in the historic centre, the Dominicans kept in close contact with the rest of Toulouse.