Palais de la Berbie, Episcopal palace and art museum in Albi, France
The Palais de la Berbie is a medieval bishops' palace built in red brick in Albi, in southern France, sitting above the Tarn River. The building is flanked by defensive towers and today contains an art museum and formal gardens overlooking the valley.
Construction began in 1228 under the bishops of Albi, who used the building as both a residence and a fortress during periods of religious conflict. Over the following centuries the walls and towers were gradually reinforced and extended.
The museum inside holds the largest collection of Toulouse-Lautrec works in the world, covering paintings, drawings, and posters made throughout his career. The artist was born in Albi, and the city chose this palace to honor him with a permanent home for his work.
The building and gardens are open daily, with longer hours in summer, so it is worth planning a half-day visit to see both without rushing. The gardens are accessible from the main entrance and offer a good starting point before entering the museum rooms.
During excavations on the site, medieval pavement remains were found that changed how researchers understand the original layout of the fortress. These finds revealed construction phases that had not been visible from the building's surface.
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