Mirepoix Cathedral, Mirepoix, France

Mirepoix Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Maurice de Mirepoix) foundation stone was laid by Jean de Lévis on the 6th May 1298. Construction continued, with interruptions, over the next six centuries. The cathedral was restored in 1858 and 1859. The cathedral has the second widest Gothic arch in Europe (after Girona in Catalonia, Spain).

Inside the cathedral vandalism and demolitions has destroyed many treasures but you can still admire a tabernacle, a Christ on the cross from the 14th century and seven paintings by Larivière-Vesontius.

User Reviews

Chris (10 months ago)
Free and beautiful old Cathedral.

Travel and living in France (14 months ago)
A quiet place to visit especially on a Monday with the busy weekly market outside.

Dave Sillence (2 years ago)
The spectacular and ancient Cathedrale St Maurice in Mirepoix France is well worth a visit. Quiet and contemplative atmosphere inside is complimented by the medieval architecture.

Ivor BJ (3 years ago)
Delightful ancient French cathedral, with numerous very old frescoes evident throughout the nave. Peaceful & charming. Well worth a detour to visit in the old Ariege town of Mirepoix.

Eloi Thomaz Folmann Sabedotti Breda (Eloi Selvagem) (3 years ago)
It is a very old church, it began to be made at XII (1209 if I'm not wrong) century and had finished at XIX century. It's construction stopped between the years 1300-1400 because of the "hundred years war" (England vs France) and because of a pest epidemic. An interesting landmark to be visit. I guess that it is one pf the oldest of France.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)

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King Eric's grand daughter, Ingeborg Håkansdotter, inherited the area from her father, King Haakon V of Norway. She and her husband, Eric, Duke of Södermanland, established a semi-independent state out of their Norwegian, Swedish and Danish counties until the death of Erik. They spent considerable time at the fortress. Their son, King Magnus IV of Sweden (Magnus VII of Norway), spent much time at the fortress as well.

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