Saint-Étienne Cathedral

Construction of Saint-Étienne Cathedral began back in the 11th century, but recent archaeological digs suggest that this site has been a place of worship since at least the 5th century, when a baptistery from that period stood here. The original Romanesque cathedral was completed in 1095 and consecrated by Pope Urban II, but just a few decades later, several devastating fires left it badly damaged. In 1273, Bishop Aimeric de la Serre launched the construction of a much larger church in the Gothic style, which was then all the rage. Today, only the crypt and the lower part of the bell tower remain from the original Romanesque structure. The cathedral as we know it took over six centuries to complete, with frequent interruptions due to lack of funding, and it wasn’t until 1888 that the bell tower was finally connected to the rest of the building. Right in front of you is the Saint John portal, built in the 16th century and considered a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture. It takes its name from the Church of Saint John, which once stood opposite before being torn down in 1793. In 1571, lightning struck the cathedral’s wooden spire, starting a fire that melted all eleven bells—only five were ever replaced. In the 19th century, the cathedral underwent major restoration, and in 1862 it was officially declared a Historic Monument. The crypt still holds the tombs of Limoges’ bishops, although it’s not open to the public—but you’re welcome to step inside and take in the cathedral’s beautiful interior.