Aire Cathedral, Aire-sur-l'Adour, France

Aire Cathedral, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is located in the town of Aire-sur-l'Adour. It was the seat of the Bishops of Aire until the diocese was abolished in 1801 and again from 1822 when the diocese was restored; in 1857 it was renamed the Diocese of Aire and Dax. In 1933 the bishop moved to Dax, making Dax Cathedral his seat, when the cathedral at Aire became a co-cathedral.

The cathedral is situated in the lower town, where the bishops used to live. In origin a structure of the 11th and 12th centuries, it was subject to much alteration between the 14th and 17th centuries and its present appearance shows a variety of styles. The great rotunda on the chevet is especially noticeable. From the 12th century there remain three bays and an apse.

The severe 13th century façade, surmounted by a tower with a slate roof, has a simple vaulted portal with a pointed arch. The present sacristy is in origin a chapter house of the 14th century, with Gothic vaulting supported by central pillars; this is of Tolosan construction and evokes the 'palm trees' of the Dominicans. The nave has ogive vaults of the 14th century. The quire is flanked by four apsidioles giving onto the transept. The organs and side-altars are of the late 18th century, as are the stalls, the high altar and the rest of the handsome furnishings.

While the apse is being extended towards the park, the orangery, a stone building of the 17th century, is being used for temporary exhibitions.

The overall dimensions of the cathedral are 48 metres in length, 8 metres in width across the nave and 15 metres in height to the highest point of the vault.

Aire Cathedral marks a stage on the Via Podiensis, one of the pilgrimage routes of the Way of St. James of Compostela, running from Le Puy-en-Velay to Santiago de Compostela via the Pass of Roncevaux.

References:

Wikipedia

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.

Nad Nad (Nadnad) (2 years ago)
Very nice church

Le Grems (2 years ago)
The architecture is striking and magnificent. Beautiful weddings or tributes are celebrated there. To visit.

Maria-Paz Latorre Naval (2 years ago)
Very beautiful cathedral. especially its interior decoration with paintings on all the columns, arches, vaults etc... Nice surprise.

Bastien Thierry (3 years ago)
Very beautiful cathedral, I like to go there in the summer because it is cool inside

Axiien89 lfbv (3 years ago)
From the outside we are far from thinking that it is a cathedral but inside we understand better why it is one, sumptuous decorations.

Aire Cathedral

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