Vienne Cathedral, Medieval Roman Catholic cathedral in Vienne, France
Vienne Cathedral is a Romanesque structure with three aisles, an apse, and a prominent stone west facade. The building rises from an elevated terrace above the Rhone valley, shaping the town's skyline.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1130 and took over a century to complete. Pope Innocent IV consecrated the building in 1251, establishing its final dedication.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Maurice, a choice reflected in carvings visible on its walls as you walk through. Visitors encounter these religious representations during a tour of the interior.
The cathedral sits in the town center of Vienne, about 35 kilometers south of Lyon and easily reached on foot from nearby streets. Parking is available near the entrance, and the building is open to visitors during daylight hours.
In 1311, the Council of Vienne convened at the cathedral under Pope Clement V, resulting in the formal dissolution of the Knights Templar. This event made the building the site of one of the Middle Ages' most consequential church decisions.
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