ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL
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Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, with its 62 m bell tower-porch, is located in Limoges.
This imposing cathedral has been built on a site dedicated to worship since pagan times. Later, three churches would have succeeded one another there. It is a strategic place, on one of the hills of the city, chosen after the 4th century to develop a new district of Limoges following the near abandonment of the Gallo-Roman Augustoritum. Excavations in 2005 led to the discovery at the foot of the cathedral of one of the largest baptistery in France, of exceptional historical interest (not yet restored). The construction of the cathedral began in 1273, it was the heart of the City of Bishops. Completed only at the end of the 19th century by the reunion of the bell tower and the nave, its architecture is a mixture of styles, as shown in particular by the richly decorated Saint-Jean portal, of flamboyant Gothic type and the Renaissance rood screen. In spite of the magnificent stained glass windows, the interior is relatively dark, creating a special atmosphere, like the statues representing the stoning of Saint Stephen and Saint Martial. Numerous explanatory panels will tell you more about the place. Take advantage of the summer period to hear the magnificent organ resounding for Sunday Vespers. Beautiful 14th century tombs in the choir.
