English: Basilica of Saint Cecilia, Albi, France.
Français: Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi.
Photo: 8 May 2010.
Source: Own work.
Author: ByacC.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless stated otherwise.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia (French: Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d’Albi), also known as Albi Cathedral, is the Seat of The Catholic Archbishop of Albi.
First built in the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade, the grim exterior resembles a fortress, but the interior is lavishly decorated with art and sculpture, a very ornate Choir Screen, and Walls in bright Blues and Golds, in the Toulousian Style or Southern French Gothic Style of Architecture.
It was begun in 1282 and was under construction for 200 years. It is claimed to be the largest brick building in the world.[1]
English: Albi Cathedral, France.
Interior of The Choir.
Photo: 1885.
Français: Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile.
Vue intérieure du choeur.
Source: Médiathèque de l'architecture
et du patrimoine (image)
Photographer: Séraphin-Médéric Mieusement (1840–1905).
(Wikimedia Commons)
In 2010, the Cathedral, along with its Episcopal buildings, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique architecture and the remarkable consistency in its design.[2][3]
The first recorded Church and Bishop’s residence was built at the end of the 4th-Century A.D., and is believed to have burned down in about 666 A.D.
A second Church is mentioned in 920 A.D., Dedicated to Saint Cecilia, a wealthy Roman noblewoman and Martyr, who was also a patroness of musicians.
English: The Episcopal City of Albi: The Palais de la Berbie
and Albi Cathedral, seen from the Old Bridge.
Français : La Cité épiscopale d'Albi : Le palais de la Berbie
vues depuis le Vieux Pont.
This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
listed as Cité épiscopale d'Albi.
Photo: 4 August 2021.
Source: Own work.
Author: Didier Descouens
(Wikimedia Commons)
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That Church was part of a complex of Episcopal buildings, including a Baptistry and Sanctuary Dedicated to Saint Peter.
A third Church, in the Romanesque Style, was built of stone at the end of the 12th-Century and was located between the present Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.
It incorporated some stonework of the earlier buildings, and included a Cloister on the South side. Some of the Arches of the Cloister are found today in the municipal park of Rochegude in Albi.[4]
English: Albi Cathedral’s Choir and Rood Screen.
Français : Chœur et jubé (Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, Albi).
Magyar: Kórus és szentélyrekesztő,
Szent Cecília-katedrális, Albi.
Polski: Chór kapłański oraz łuk tęczowy
(katedra Św. Cecylii w Albi we Francji).
Photo: 2 July 2008.
Source: Own work.
Author: Pom²
(Wikimedia Commons)
In the 12th-Century, Albi was part of Languedoc, ruled by the Count of Toulouse, who was appointed by the King of France. The region became a battleground between the established Church and the followers of a dissident Religious movement called Catharism.
The Cathars had a strong presence in Albi around 1165.[5] In 1208, Pope Innocent III launched the Albigensian Crusade, named after Albi, to destroy the Cathars in Southern France.[6]
It ended in 1209 with the defeat and massacre of the Cathars at Carcassonne, and the end of the semi-independence of the States of Languedoc. In 1229, Albi came under the joint rule of the Lord of Castres and of King Louis VIII of France.[7]
English: Albi Cathedral’s Gothic Rood Screen.
Note the empty statue niches. The statues were destroyed during The French Revolution.
Français : Jubé gothique vu depuis la nef.
Abside en arrière plan (Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, Albi).
Photo: 2 July 2008.
Source: Own work.
Author: Pom²
(Wikimedia Commons)
Bernard de Castanet (1240–1317), who became Bishop of Albi in 1276, was the key figure behind the construction of the Gothic Cathedral. He was a judge and lawyer, had been an officer of The Inquisition for Languedoc, and later became a Cardinal.
He raised funds for the new building by setting aside one-twentieth of the revenue of the Chapter, and offering Spiritual incentives to Parishioners who donated a tenth of their income.
He also made imaginative use of the Relics of Saint Cecilia, owned by the Church, in his fundraising. He economised by using brick, rather than stone, to construct the new Cathedral, which was easier work.
PART TWO FOLLOWS.
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