Albi and the Cathedral

 

The Cathedral of St. Cecilia in Albi was built as a defensive fortress and statement of strength after the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229), a holy war waged by the Catholic Church against the heretical Cathars and the count of Toulouse.

As the largest brick building in the world the mission to make it impressive and a statement was definitely achieved.

The fortress like exterior is a complete contrast to the decoration found inside.  We have been in many cathedrals and have never seen anything like this.  The blue Renaissance vaulted ceiling was painted in the 16th century.

The rounded west wall of the nave depicts the Last Judgment (Blessed on the left, Damned on the right) considered to be one of the most important works of art of the Late Middle Ages.

The organ case was carved in the early 1700’s.

At the other end of the cathedral (to the right below) is the choir with it’s ornate and intricate screen.

Behind the cathedral the gardens with the long row of hydrangeas next to the wall.

Looking down over the River Tarn and the bridges from the gardens.

We walked up to the first bridge and crossed over the river as the sun was setting.

Looking back at the cathedral from the opposite side of the river.