Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur

After spending the evening researching we discovered there isn’t a lot to see in Narbonne with a few of the suggested sites closed. Considering the busy days ahead it will be good to use this time to relax and recharge, getting ready for Spain. We still managed to see a few things today with the Narbonne Cathedral being our first stop, surprisingly enough - not.

Narbonne’s Cathedral is visible from every part of the old town area as it soars above the buildings. It is the highest Gothic choir in France, reaching over forty metres high. Cathedrale Saint Just et Saint Pasteur de Narbonne (it’s full title) has a long history with the current building being built on the same site as the Constantinian Basilica was built in 313. It has been a religious site since then. The building of the current structure commenced in 1272, however the building was never finished due to many factors, including the sudden changed in the economic status of Narbonne, its unusual size and location (to complete it would mean demolishing the city wall) and the financial constraints. Even with the “extension” not completed it is still a huge church.

The cathedral contains multiple medieval tombs with several archbishops entombed close to the altar and the tombs are spectacular in their details. The attention to the tiniest of details, the representation of death, the amazing craftsmanship, all make these tombs very interesting.

While the cathedral is impressive with its soaring height, it was sad to see the damage done to many of the stonework pieces, with so many statues and sculptures either broken and missing pieces or missing altogether. It is obvious this is not a rich church as it needs a lot of attention. However, the stunning stained glass windows, beautiful tapestries,

The exterior is an impressive structure too, with its many arches and angles. I do love the gargoyles but do question how old the dog one is. It is such an odd animal to be used compared to the others and in such good shape. I suspect it is a more recent addition. Even though the cathedral is unfinished what remains shows how truely magnificent this building would have been if it was completed.Read more