ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL

The history of Saint-Etienne's cathedral spans several centuries, from the 3rd to the 17th century. This explains its somewhat heterogeneous appearance and the juxtaposition of a single nave in the southern Gothic style with a choir inspired by the northern Gothic style. Majestic, wonderfully illuminated, it stands out at the end of the square of the same name. Its visit is well worth the detour.

The location at the entrance of the ancient decumanus of the city would have been chosen by the first bishop St-Sernin, martyred in 250. A first cathedral was built in the^5th century by the bishop St-Euxpère. Around 1071, Izarn, financially supported by Count Guillaume, began the construction of a new church of which the Raymondine nave remains (vaulting in the 13th century under Count Raymond VI whose arms - Cross with 12 pearls - are sculpted on the keystone of the first bay).

In 1270, as the Gothic style spread in the north of France, Bishop Bertrand de l'Isle-Jourdain, inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris, launched the construction of a new chevet which was interrupted for a long time at the height of the triforium. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the building site was revived. But on December 9, 1609, a violent fire reduced the whole to ashes. In the 19th century, the cloister was destroyed (see Augustins museum).

Beautiful collection of stained glass windows from the 13th to the 20th century. Tapestries, stalls and an organ are classified. Concerts are regularly organized there.

Moreover, the creator of the Canal du Midi, Pierre-Paul Riquet, rests in this place.