Handling and Lifting of Sarcophagi in Toulouse

Delicate handling and lifting of sarcophagi at the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse

In November 2024, Bovis Midi-Pyrénées, in collaboration with the Bovis Fine Art department, carried out a delicate handling and technical lifting operation at the heart of Toulouse’s heritage: reinstating three 4th-century sarcophagi in the Enfeu des Comtes of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.

A demanding intervention where millimetre precision and mastery of lifting equipment combined to safeguard unique pieces.

An exceptional heritage requiring tailored handling
These ancient sarcophagi, carved over 1,600 years ago, were reused in the 11th century to house the burials of Toulouse’s comital family.
Their weight, fragility, and historical value required a specialised handling plan designed to ensure their safety at every stage.

A technical project in several phases

Preparation in the workshop
The mission began with placing the three sarcophagi on platforms in a restoration workshop in Toulouse.

This step stabilised the loads and facilitated subsequent handling.

Secure transport to the basilica
The convoy was carried out using a Fine Art truck equipped for transporting heavy and fragile loads:

• Air-cushion suspension
• Hygrometric control
• Securing systems adapted to the shape and weight of the pieces

Unloading with a heavy-duty tail lift
On arrival, the truck’s high-capacity tail lift enabled safe and gradual unloading, limiting mechanical stress on the stone.

Lifting and installation in a confined space
The most technical phase was lifting and positioning the sarcophagi in the Enfeu, a restricted space with difficult access.

For this, Bovis Midi-Pyrénées used a truck-mounted crane, perfectly suited for lifting operations in urban and heritage environments.

Thanks to precise coordination between our ground teams and crane operators, each sarcophagus was returned to its exact position without any risk to the integrity of the piece or the building.

Bovis Midi-Pyrénées: your specialist handling partner in Toulouse

Based in Toulouse, our agency operates throughout Occitanie for:

• Heavy and delicate handling
• Lifting in urban or industrial environments
• Hoisting of bulky loads
• Secure transport of sensitive or heritage equipment
• Installation of complex equipment
• Crane and articulated arm lifting
• Operations in confined spaces

Each project is handled by teams trained in the most demanding techniques, using equipment adapted to guarantee safety, precision, and efficiency.

Contact Bovis Midi-Pyrénées for your handling and lifting projects in Toulouse and across Occitanie.