CARCASSONNE CATHEDRAL

Constructed in the 13th century, Carcassonne Cathedral is a fortified church dedicated to Saint Michael. The expansive interiors of the cathedral include a nave of eight bays with side chapels and arched stained glass windows pierced into the choir. Tourists love the soft glow created by natural sunlight in the cathedral that peeps through the tiny round stained glass windows near the top of the vault.

Carcassonne Cathedral is regarded as one of the most significant and prominent historical and archaeological monuments in the city of Carcassonne. Dating back to the 13th century, this cathedral showcases a gorgeous architectural style by combining French and Gothic designs, giving it an appearance of a castle. The highlighting feature of the cathedral is its pointed arches, steep roofs, and domes with cross ribs. After suffering massive damage in the 100 Years’ War, the cathedral was reconstructed with fortifications which can be easily noticeable from the loopholes in the tower. The restoration work was completed by the renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 1800s, and it was his first project in the city of Carcassonne before moving to the other fortifications.

Today, it serves as the fundamental cathedral of Carcassonne, housing the Roman Catholic Bishop of the city. People are attracted to this attraction to admire the beauty of the octagonal bell tower and a splendid rose window

Highlights

• Notice the octagonal bell tower and a gorgeous rose window in the Carcassonne Cathedral that attracts a myriad of tourists throughout the year
• Appreciate the single decorative feature of the facade in the form of a large rosette that is around eight meters in diameter.
• Witness the retained stained glass of the 14th century through the choir screen in the Carcassonne Cathedral
• Admire the beauty of an individual nave with a 20 meters high vault that lines with multiple lateral chapels
• Watch the relative simplicity of the parish church, Carcassonne Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Michael named Carcassonne Cathedral in the 13th century.