Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral

A major and contemplative stop on the Grenoble audio-guided tour, Notre-Dame Cathedral bears witness to the antiquity of the city's bishopric, which goes back almost to the beginnings of Christianity.

From Cularo to Gratianopolis

In 313, Emperor Constantine granted Christians freedom of worship. In 379, the small Cularo, whose name meant the field of squash, passed under Emperor Gratian and became Gratianopolis. In 380, the diocese of Grenoble was created and entrusted to its first bishop, Saint Domnin. The building is a double church, typical of early Christian times.

What to see

The thirteenth-century cathedral adjoins the eleventh-century church of Saint-Hugues, forming a rare ensemble. Inside, a remarkable fifteenth-century stone ciborium, more than fourteen metres high, is among the treasures of the building. Enter this place of worship with quiet and respect for silence.

Practical information

Notre-Dame Cathedral is on Place Notre-Dame, in the historic centre of Grenoble. Like any active place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence and services; hours should be checked depending on the season.

Since when has the diocese of Grenoble existed ?

Since 380, when the diocese was created and entrusted to its first bishop, Saint Domnin.

What is a double church ?

A set of two adjoining buildings: here, the thirteenth-century cathedral and the eleventh-century church of Saint-Hugues.