Jacobins Convent

The Couvent des Jacobins of Toulouse, a Gothic masterpiece

In the heart of Toulouse, the Couvent des Jacobins is a masterpiece of Gothic art, famous for its stone palm tree. The Toulouse audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this former Dominican convent, which houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

The former Dominican convent and its palm tree

The Couvent des Jacobins is a former convent of the Dominican order, built in brick in a southern Gothic style. Its church is famous for its palm tree, that ultimate column whose ribs fan out in the vault, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The convent houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas and keeps a peaceful cloister, a witness of the monastic life of the past.

What to see

You admire the famous stone palm tree, the two-aisled nave, the peaceful cloister and the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Couvent des Jacobins is one of the finest examples of southern Gothic. It is a major stop of Toulouse, to be discovered with respect, for lovers of art and religious heritage.

Practical information

The Couvent des Jacobins lies in the heart of Toulouse, reachable on foot. A former convent become a monument, it can be visited; access to the church, the cloister and the heritage spaces follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the character of the place.

What is the palm tree of the Jacobins?

It is the ultimate column of the church whose ribs fan out in the vault, forming a stone palm tree, a masterpiece of southern Gothic.

Where is the Couvent des Jacobins?

In the heart of Toulouse; it houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas.