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.
Construction started in 1120 to serve pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela, who needed a major stopping point on their long journey. It replaced an earlier cathedral and became a significant pilgrimage destination in its own right.
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 building sits in the town center and is easy to reach on foot while exploring the old streets. Visitors can enter daily, though access may be limited during religious services since the church remains an active place of worship.
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.
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