Collégiale Saint-Salvy, Gothic church in Albi, France
Collégiale Saint-Salvy is a church in Albi built with a distinctive blend of stone and brick, topped by a bell tower featuring a surveillance turret called a gachol. The building merges early structures with later Gothic additions to create an architectural whole that spans centuries.
Construction started in the 11th century at the presumed burial site of Saint Salvi, while major Gothic transformations during the 13th century reshaped its interior and structure. This evolution turned the building into a significant example of Gothic architecture in the region.
The church displays six large canvas paintings from 1725 telling the story of Saint Salvi alongside intricately carved and painted wood sculptures throughout the interior. These artworks reflect how the community honored its patron saint through visual storytelling.
The church is open Monday through Friday with different hours on weekends, and guided tours are available for visitors. It is worth checking the exact times in advance, especially if you want to join a tour with a guide.
The 13th-century cloister holds a garden where monks once grew medicinal and aromatic herbs, encircled by carved capitals depicting people, animals, and plants. This space reveals how spiritual life was woven together with practical knowledge and care for nature.
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