Saint Aubin Church, Toulouse

Saint-Aubin Church in Toulouse stands as a significant but ultimately simplified 19th-century religious project, located in the Saint-Aubin-Dupuy district, east of the city's historic center. Constructed on the site of an old cemetery, the church was designed by Jean-Marie-Thérèse-Auguste Delort and opened in 1853. The design of Saint-Aubin merges elements of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine styles, showcasing the architectural ambitions of its era, yet it lacks a bell tower and remains incomplete.

The origins of Saint-Aubin's construction are tied to an anonymous architectural competition that turned out to be a notable failure. Despite receiving 32 submissions, including one from the renowned Henri Labrouste, the competition faced harsh public and critical scrutiny, leading to the rejection of most entries due to high costs, complexity, or significant flaws. Only seven designs were considered, with Delort's being the final selection.

The construction of the church was challenged by financial constraints, with the municipality funding only 400,000 francs-a sum insufficient for Delort to complete his vision. The church was built over an old cemetery, necessitating the preservation of an underground church and the relocation of the cemetery to Terre Cabade. Although worship began in the church in 1847, it was far from complete, lacking major elements such as vaults, a proper facade, a bell tower, and interior decor. By 1929, further efforts to complete the church required an investment of 900,000 francs, yet many elements remained unfinished.

Today, the Saint-Aubin Church, despite its massive structure, reflects a compromised version of its initial ambitious design. The interior, particularly the unfinished nave, stands as a testament to the architect's unfulfilled plans and the financial and logistical challenges that marred its construction. This historical church thus not only serves as a place of worship but also as a poignant reminder of the architectural aspirations and constraints of its time.