Perpignan Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Perpignan, France
Perpignan Cathedral, also called Saint-Jean-Baptiste, is a Gothic structure with a single large nave spanning 80 meters and supported by seven cross-vaults throughout its interior. The building reaches a height of about 30 meters and features a width of 18 meters, creating an open, uninterrupted worship space.
Construction began in 1324 under King Sancho of Majorca to replace an aging Romanesque church that no longer met the community's needs. The work stretched over nearly 200 years until completion in 1509, with the formal consecration taking place in 1602.
The cathedral reflects the architectural tastes of southern regions, with its wide open space and vaulted structure creating a distinctive atmosphere. Visitors can see how these design choices shaped a gathering place that served the local community for centuries.
The cathedral welcomes visitors throughout the week with different opening hours on weekdays and Sundays. Guided tours in various languages are offered to help you understand the building's design and historical background.
The adjacent Campo Santo cemetery is the largest medieval burial ground in France, with preserved grave markers and restored niche tombs still visible today. This graveyard demonstrates how burials took place here over many centuries.
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