Cathedral of Saint Sacerdos

Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral

A major and contemplative stop on the Sarlat audio-guided tour, Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral embodies on its own more than a thousand years of history. First a simple abbey in the ninth century, it became a cathedral in 1317 when Pope John XXII created the diocese of Sarlat.

A long architectural saga

Dedicated to Saint Sacerdos, bishop of Limoges born a few kilometres from here, the cathedral keeps from the twelfth century its majestic Romanesque porch-tower, more than forty metres high. The current building is mainly Gothic: from 1504, a complete reconstruction was undertaken, but for lack of means, only the choir was completed, and nave and tower remained separated for one hundred and fifty years.

What to see

It was only in the seventeenth century that the Gothic vaults were completed, unifying the whole. The cathedral is listed as a historic monument. Enter the building with quiet and respect for the place of worship to appreciate its scale and the harmony born of its centuries of construction.

Practical information

Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral is on Place du Peyrou, in the heart of old Sarlat. Like any active place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence and services; hours should be checked depending on the season.

When did the abbey become a cathedral ?

In 1317, when Pope John XXII created the diocese of Sarlat.

What does the cathedral keep from the twelfth century ?

Its Romanesque porch-tower, more than forty metres high.