Saint-Cécile Cathedral

Albi’s Cathedral is a real head-turner! It actually looks more like a fortress than a church. It’s measuring a whopping 113 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 78 meters tall! Talk about XXL! You’re looking at the biggest brick cathedral in the world! For the most part, it’s a fine example of Southern French Gothic architecture, keeping things simple with a single nave and a clean, austere look. Forget fancy flying buttresses and French exuberance – it’s definitely different from the frilly Gothic Cathedrals you’d see in Chartres, Reims and Amiens, which are far more contemporary in terms of style. The church has stood here for more than six centuries; you see, construction began in 1282 and only ended in 1480. The majestic 78-meter bell tower, added in 1492, speaks to the immense power of the Church at the time. As for those distinctive rounded buttresses, they hint at the cathedral’s original defensive purpose, all while making it truly unique. Time to step inside the cathedral – prepare to be dazzled! Treasures abound; right off the bat, your eyes will be drawn to the frescoes sprawling a staggering 18,500 square meters across the vaulted ceiling, and set against a deep blue backdrop. This masterpiece only took 3 years to create, thanks to the skills of several talented Italian artists. It’s the largest collection of Renaissance paintings in all of France! Below the organ, you’ll find yet another record-breaker; this enormous Last Judgement mural is actually the biggest in the country! Dating from the 15th century, it depicts Heaven, Earth, and Hell, and stretches over an impressive 200 m². See if you can spot the punishments for the seven deadly sins in its lower half! But wait, there’s more! Home to 220 statues, the cathedral boasts one of the most important collection of statuary in the country. Don’t miss the treasury on your way out, where you’ll find a 1300-year-old copy of the Mappa Mundi. It’s considered to be one of the oldest known representations of the world as perceived in the Middle Ages – horseshoe-shaped and centered around the Mediterranean, with only fifty or so labeled cities, regions, rivers, and seas, all written in Latin. All in all, the Saint-Cécile Cathedral is an architectural marvel that truly defies all expectations. Its sheer scale is breathtaking and its delicate ornamentation and lines speak to a level of craftsmanship that is truly exceptional. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Albi!