Saved from collapse in 1840 by Viollet-le-Duc, the Ste. Madeleine Basilica dominates Vezelays hilltop. During the 12th century, the abbey claimed to house the bones of Mary Magdalene, making it an important meeting point for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. But its popularity with pilgrims waned when, in 1280, it was discovered that the remains actually belonged to someone else. Today its popularity lies in the design of Romanesque church with its magnificent sculpture and Gothic choir.