Fréjus Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Fréjus, France.
Fréjus Cathedral is a Gothic complex that includes a parish church, baptistery, bishop's residence, canonry, and cloister. The cloister features double Corinthian columns supporting pointed arches throughout its galleries.
The site was founded around 401 and served as the seat of the Bishop of Fréjus until 1801, when the diocese merged with Toulon. This long tenure established it as a major religious and administrative center for the region.
The site holds two distinct churches in one structure: Saint Stephen's served the parish while Notre-Dame was reserved for the bishop's functions. This physical separation reflects the different roles the complex played in the community's religious life.
The site is best explored on foot to appreciate the architecture from various angles and distances. Visitors should plan for a leisurely exploration as the baptistery and cloister offer several areas to discover at a relaxed pace.
The 5th-century baptistery lay hidden for centuries until architect Jules Formigé rediscovered it in 1925. This archaeological find revealed one of Provence's oldest Christian structures beneath later construction.
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