Saint-Etienne's Cathedral, LimogesOn the road to Richard the Lionheart

Saint-Etienne’s Cathedral, Limoges

Discover an exceptional monument 🏰 with six centuries of history! This Gothic cathedral is home to some unique treasures: the magnificent Renaissance rood screen dating from 1530, with its breathtaking sculpted decorations, colourful stained-glass windows depicting Saint Martial and Saint Valerie, and a mysterious crypt dating back to the 11th century. A perfect blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, this jewel of the Richard the Lionheart Route promises an unforgettable visual and spiritual experience in the heart of Limoges!

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Six Centuries of Construction, A Unique Gothic Masterpiece

Imagine a monument that has spanned six centuries of history! Begun in 1273, this Gothic edifice was completed at the end of the 19th century – six centuries of construction. This exceptional cathedral skilfully blends the Romanesque and Gothic styles. We still have the bell tower and the crypt from the Romanesque cathedral. In the 13th century, Limoges cathedral was rebuilt in a Gothic style inspired by the north of France. A trip back in time guaranteed, where each stone tells the story of a different era!

©Cathedrale Saint Etienne Limoges|@jojopichon

The Renaissance Rodeo: A Stunning Artistic Treasure

Prepare to be dazzled by one of the wonders of the French Renaissance! The cathedral is home to two Renaissance works of the highest quality: a rood screen commissioned by Bishop Jean de Langeac, and the bishop’s tomb, carved with scenes from the Apocalypse inspired by Dürer. This carved rood screen from 1530, now visible at the back of the nave, will transport you to the artistic world of the Renaissance, with its sumptuous antique and mythological decorations.

Magical stained glass windows and a mysterious crypt

Look up and be enchanted by the stained glass windows depicting, among others, Saint Martial and Saint Valerie. These colourful stained glass windows turn the light into a permanent spectacle! A secret also lies beneath your feet: a vestige of the Romanesque cathedral built by Bishop Alduin in 1013, with the three lower storeys of the bell tower, the crypt guards the mysteries of the past. An unforgettable visual and spiritual experience!

Limoges Cathedral: information and contacts

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Good to know

An archaeological treasure from the 5th century discovered in 2005!

Excavations in 2005 revealed a 5th-century hexagonal baptistery, one of the largest in France, beneath the cobblestones of Place Saint-Étienne. This exceptional discovery bears witness to 1,500 years of history!

Six centuries for a cathedral: a record of patience!

Begun in 1273, the cathedral was not completed until the end of the 19th century! That’s 600 years of construction, through wars, revolutions and changes in architectural style.

A granite cathedral: the French exception!

Unlike other Gothic cathedrals built of limestone, Saint-Étienne de Limoges is built entirely of local granite. This gives it its unique golden colour and exceptional strength.