Provinçal legend holds that the Three Marys (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Mary Clopas), along with other followers of Jesus, were forced to flee the holy land and ended up near Marseille, where they worked to convert the locals to Christianity. When Mary Magdelene died, St. Maximinus created a crypt for her, containing a variety of relics. This crypt was re-discovered in 1279 by King Charles II of Naples, who commissioned a cathedral and abbey (including a residence for pilgrims) to be built on the site. This cathedral is in the modern-day town of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, which is about a 10-minute drive down the road from Puyloubier.
Mary Magdalene's skull |
If we may offer an editorial comment: this particular holy relic very creepy.
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