Albi Cathedral

The current Albi Cathedral building, made of brick, replaces an old stone cathedral. It was built over two centuries, from 1282 to 1480, with notable complications such as a fire destroying the roof in the 14th century. The interior is richly decorated with paintings from the late 15th / early 16th century. In the 18th century, the façade threatened to collapse and was rebuilt. Its impressive dimensions make Albi Cathedral the largest brick cathedral in the world.

About this building

Model inspired by Cluny, but of lesser proportions. The building has a Latin cross plan, with a semicircular apse flanked by a small chapel. Large pointed arches are present. The main facade is on two levels, and features columns.

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Interior features

Visitors information

  • Bus stop within 100m
  • Parking within 250m

Other nearby buildings

Sauvegarde de l'Art Français

Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité

Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Church is located in Montrosier, in Midi-Pyrénées (Occitanie). It was built in the twelfth century, and suffered greatly throughout the religious wars. It was built according to a Latin cross plan with two protruding transepts. The frescoes of the choir are classified as Historical Monuments.

Wikimedia Commons/Tylwyth Eldar

Cathédrale Saint-Benoît

The Cathedral of Saint-Benoît or simply the Cathedral of Castres was first built in the 14th century, after the creation of the diocese of Castres in 1317, together with a number of other dioceses created in the region after the suppression of the Albigensians. This first building was destroyed during the French Wars of Religion. The present building was then constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The cathedral lost its title with the suppression of the diocese during the French Revolution.

Collégiale de Villefranche-de-Rouergue

The building dates from the 13th century, in 1252, after the medieval basilica was transferred to the other side of the bank. The revolution spared the church, which was transformed first into the Temple of the Supreme Being, then into a fodder store. The bell tower is saved from demolition by placing a statue of the goddess at its top.