Montpellier Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Montpellier, France.
Montpellier Cathedral is a Gothic church in the city center featuring circular piers and a substantial porch with an extended canopy at its entrance. The interior extends vertically with a tower accessible via stairs that offers a viewpoint over the surrounding area.
The building was originally founded in 1364 as a Benedictine monastery church and became a cathedral in 1536 when the Archdiocese of Maguelone relocated to Montpellier. This transition made it the principal religious seat of the region.
The cathedral displays a painting by French artist Sébastien Bourdon titled 'The Fall of Simon the Magician', which depicts a scene from Saint Peter's life story. This artwork remains visible to visitors walking through the building and represents an important part of its artistic heritage.
The cathedral is located downtown and offers free access to visitors without charge. Those interested in climbing to the tower viewpoint should be prepared for steps, while the ground level remains accessible for casual exploration.
The building is the only medieval church in the city center that survived the Wars of Religion without being destroyed. This resilience makes it a rare surviving remnant from a turbulent period of French history.
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