HOLY CECILIA CATHEDRAL

This imposing brick vessel is a masterpiece of southern Gothic heritage. Built between 1282 and 1480 to signify the return of papal power to Cathar lands, it remains the largest brick cathedral in the world today. Its crushing pink brick silhouette and its immense 78 m high bell tower as a watchtower over the region, in the heart of old Albi, is often compared to a castle. When it was built, it was part of the city's defensive system, integrating the Berbie Palace, and could accommodate 6,000 Albigensians in case of danger. From the Middle Ages, it was able to preserve the fresco of the Last Judgment, which originally covered more than 200^m2, where Heaven, Earth and Hell are staged. The frescoes of the vault form the largest and oldest set of France, with its 97 m long and 28 m wide. It remains the only cathedral in Europe whose walls and vaults are entirely painted on a surface covering nearly 18,500^m2. The rood screen, in flamboyant Gothic style, is decorated with a magnificent polychrome statuary, a unique testimony to 15th century French sculpture. The treasure room, housed in a former 13th century vault, presents a collection of sacred art objects from the 14th to the 19th century, and religious objects. Finally, Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music, would not have a sanctuary without a monumental organ! This one dates from the 18th century and perhaps you will have the chance to hear a recital during your visit.