Rieux Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Rieux-Volvestre, France.
Rieux Cathedral is a Gothic structure with a tall octagonal bell tower rising 43 meters high and displaying three tiers of windows in Toulouse architectural style. The building combines regional building traditions with broader Gothic design elements.
The building was founded in 1317 as the seat of the Bishopric of Rieux and kept this role until 1801. At that point it merged into the Archdiocese of Toulouse, ending its function as an independent episcopal center.
The choir contains 61 walnut stalls with detailed carvings that reveal the skill of craftsmen who made religious furniture during the 17th century. You can see how much care went into furnishing this sacred space.
Visitors reach the building through the red brick streets of the medieval town center, with parking near Pont Lajous. Walking through the historic quarter makes it easy to explore the site and its surroundings.
The walls are three meters thick and contain medieval defensive features including watchtowers and arrow slits. This unusual trait shows that religious buildings in this era were designed to serve protective purposes as well.
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