From a previous trip through the former Midi-Pyrénées region, now Occitania, in the South of France I had written down the Albi cathedral as a future travel objective.
While driving on the highway around Albi I had the opportunity to distinguish the majestic cathedral that rises high above the city, standing out on the horizon.
Even then I knew that Cathedral of Saint Cecilia in Albi was declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco, within the framework of episcopal city of Albi.
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Albí, largest brick cathedral in the world
But I also knew that it was about the largest brick cathedral in the world, with its 113 meters long and 35 meters wide.
In this way, when on a new trip through this area of the south of France, specifically through the department of Tarn in the aforementioned region of Occitania, I arrived at Albi, my first intention was to immediately see its cathedral.
That was very easy because from the mercure hotel where I stayed had, without a doubt, the best panoramic views of AlbiWith its old Bridge about him Tarn river in the foreground, and above the imposing cathedral built with bricks.
Here you can sign up for a Private tour of Albí, in which for two hours you will be in the company of a guide in Spanish specialized in art and you will enter the cathedral and Berbie Palace
In the photos of this report you can see that the aesthetics exterior of Albi cathedral It is surprising for its great austerity, which is explained by its origin.
Albi cathedral history curiosities
La Albi cathedral It was built from the year 1282, after finishing the Cathar war, Also known as albigensian crusade, in which by order of the Pope of Rome the movement of the catharism, considered a heretic.
A characteristic of catharism were his criticisms of the Catholic Church for the luxury it showed at that time, so to counteract them, the then Archbishop of Albi He decided to build a building with a very austere exterior.
Likewise, the cathedral shows the image of a true defensive fortress, in which its enormous 78 meter high tower, which was not completed until 1492.
De southern gothic style and similar in configuration to Jacobin church from the nearby ToulouseHowever, with its enormous external dimensions, the archbishop wanted to emphasize the power of the Catholics.
What to see when visiting Albi Cathedral
But, instead, a later archbishop decided that the interior of Albi cathedral It had the greatest sumptuousness, so I can tell you that when you access it you will be in for a great surprise.
Indeed, its only nave, surrounded by chapels located between the buttresses and decorated with Renaissance style, presents a sumptuous decoration.
Paintings in Albi Cathedral
With paintings on walls and ceilingThat of Albi becomes the only European cathedral with its interior completely covered in paintings.
In the place of the main chapel you can see the imposing wall paintings of Final judgment, the oldest preserved in the cathedral, which originally occupied up to 200 square meters of surface and was the largest in the cathedral. Middle Ages.
On this huge and colorful mural you can see a organ of enormous dimensions built in the 18th century.
Free organ concerts in Albi Cathedral
A good opportunity to hear how this organ sounds is by attending one of the free concerts that in the months of July and August They take place on Wednesdays and Sundays.
The cathedral's striking blue vault was painted at the beginning of the 16th century and represents heaven.
Albí Cathedral Choir
And also during my visit I was impressed by the Albi cathedral choir.
You will see that on its wall there are up to 150 statuettes of musical angels surrounding the image of Santa Cecilia, of the 280 statues that originally existed.
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This choir has recently been restored and reopened to visitors in December 2015.
Visiting hours of the Albi Cathedral
The Albi Cathedral visiting hours They are, from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., and on Sundays you can visit it from 13 p.m. to 17,30:15 p.m., with last access XNUMX minutes before closing time.
For the visit you have audioguide and entrance price to see the Albí Cathedral Choir It is 5 euros, and if you also want see the Treasury, you have a joint price of 6 euros.
In short, an incredible artistic jewel that should become a essential visit on a trip through this area of the south of France.
Photos of Albi Cathedral
Here you have more photos of Albi cathedral, to visit in the department of Tarn.
Beautiful cathedral, without a doubt. What happens is that with its dimensions it is far from the 130 x 65 meters of the Cathedral Basilica of Pilar in Zaragoza, which is the largest brick cathedral in the world. And by the way, it is also the largest baroque church in the world. Yes, it has indeed been a cathedral since 1675 by bull of Clement X and a basilica since 1948 by bull of Pius XII. So the word “second” should be added to that title.
A greeting.