Autun Cathedral, Roman Catholic cathedral in Autun, France

Autun Cathedral is a Romanesque church with thick stone walls, pointed arches, and a cross-shaped interior divided into a central nave and two side aisles. Numerous columns support the structure, and the whole building reflects the construction style typical of the 1100s.

Bishop Étienne de Bâgé began the new Saint-Lazare around 1120 to house relics believed to be those of Lazarus, which had drawn crowds to the earlier Saint-Nazaire cathedral. It was consecrated in 1132 and largely finished by 1146, when the relics were transferred. The two cathedrals shared duties until Saint-Lazare became the sole cathedral in 1195.

The cathedral takes its name from Saint Lazarus, the biblical beggar who held special meaning for medieval pilgrims seeking spiritual healing. Stone carvings on the entrance portal served as visual lessons for visitors who could not read.

The cathedral stands in the upper town, the highest and best-fortified corner of Autun, a short walk from the old streets. The west portal with the Last Judgment tympanum faces the paved square; the interior is entered through the narthex. It remains an active place of worship, so visits may be limited during services.

The sculptor Gislebertus signed his masterpiece with the words 'Gislebertus hoc fecit' directly carved into the stone. This personal signature on a medieval artwork was unusual for its time and reveals the craftsman's pride in his creation.