NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL OF TULLE

This architectural masterpiece of the 12th century has known many vicissitudes during its history. Built on the site of a former 7th century monastery, abbey and then cathedral at the beginning of the 14th century, it was requisitioned during the Revolution to serve as a forge and mechanical workshop. Several holes made for the tooling of the seals are still visible in some places of the walls and pillars. In 1796, its superb Carolingian-style cross dome collapsed and the wall was simply rebuilt vertically. Only the nave and the bell tower remained. The 75 m high bell tower underwent a major restoration in mid-2010, covering its entire façade. The nave with its cross vault is magnificent. Free leaflets inside the church will tell you all about the stained-glass windows by the famous master glassmaker from Strasbourg, Jean-Jacques Cruber, the remarkable furniture and the great organs of 1842. In the basement, the Carolingian remains of the Saint-Martin abbey church then lead to the cloister and the gardens where you will admire the 13th century Gothic arcades, the frescoes of the chapter house and their sculpted bas-reliefs.