The Capitouls (governing magistrates) of Toulouse embarked on the construction of the original building in 1190, to provide a seat for the government of a province growing in wealth and influence. The name "Capitole" referred not only to the RomanCapitol but also to the capitulum which was the chapter of the governing magistrates.
Saint-Sernin basilica located in Toulouse, France was built during the Romanesque Period between AD 1080 and 1120. It is located on the site of a previous, 4th century basilica which contained the body of Saint Saturnin or Sernin. He was the first bishop of Toulouse in AD 250 and martyred by pagan priests, who tied him by his feet to a bull which dragged him about the town until the rope broke.