Carcassonne Cathedral, Carcassonne, France

Carcassonne Cathedral was built in the 13th century as a parish church, dedicated to Saint Michael. Following war damage in the 14th century it was rebuilt as a fortified church. In 1803 St. Michael's was elevated to cathedral status, replacing the earlier cathedral dedicated to Saints Nazarius and Celsus, now the Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse.

The cathedral plan is characterised by its relative simplicity. It forms a single nave with a 20 metre high vault, lined with several lateral chapels. The chior screen has retained its 14th century stained glass. The sober façade has a single decorative feature in the form of a large rosette 8 meters in diameter, and the adjoining bell tower is relatively massive.

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User Reviews

MrsWayfarer (4 months ago)
We attended Sunday mass here and it was very solemn. I liked how the stained glass provided the church different light shades. Nice church for quiet contemplation and prayer.

James Parker (2 years ago)
Gothic churches are cool. Gothic fashion, not so much.

Marie Holm, PhD (2 years ago)
Impressive cathedral, with looming ambiance and sparkles of light shining through the stained glass. Only downside for the moment is the maintenance work around it, but once done the paths will be smooth and such.

viv Ketchen (4 years ago)
Just a beautiful serene place.

Nancy Fink (4 years ago)
Beautiful Romanesque cathedral with low door. Painting of walls and columns a la Middle Ages is superb. Early Gothic additions near altar shows changes as church got bigger.

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