Aire Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in Aire-sur-l'Adour, France
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral is a Romanesque structure built with a single nave and stone capitals carved with monster figures that decorate its columns. The sanctuary is separated from the rest of the interior by a marble balustrade that defines the sacred space.
Construction started in the late 12th century following Romanesque building methods of that era. The building underwent modifications over several centuries until the 19th century, though records from those changes were largely lost.
The organ you see here was built by craftsmen in the 18th century and still accompanies worship services today. It reflects how music and sound shaped religious life in this community.
The interior combines limestone and brick in a straightforward construction that is easy to walk through. Take time to look carefully at the carved details on the capitals and balustrade, which reveal the craftsmanship of the builders.
The sacristy began as a chapter house from the 14th century and features an unusual octagonal central pillar supporting four rib vaults. The walls here are decorated with stone brackets carved with monster heads, offering a glimpse into the artistic choices of that period.
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