NOTRE-DAME AND ST. THYRSE'S CATHEDRAL
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Cathedral of Notre-Dame and Saint-Thyrse, classified as a historical monument since 1840, a beautiful ensemble absolutely to discover
Sisteron was one of the oldest bishoprics in Haute-Provence, along with those of Digne and Senez. Dating from the 12th century, the cathedral of Notre-Dame et Saint-Thyrse, or more familiarly Notre-Dame des Pommiers (an alteration of the word pomoerium, meaning the space between the houses and the fortifications) is certainly one of the greatest religious buildings in Provence. It conceals the memory of the passage of the builders who came from Lombardy by harmoniously mixing Romanesque art and Lombard architecture. Its construction began in the 12th century. It was then enlarged by the addition of several side chapels between the end of the 13th and the 17th centuries.
The external bell tower, which houses a high chapel, ends with a spire dating from the 19th century. Its dome is topped by a gallery decorated with delicate colonnettes and its main portal has many remarkable sculpted architectural motifs on the outside. Inside, you will discover paintings by masters, and a magnificent 17th century altarpiece framing two paintings by Nicolas Mignard. Also worth seeing is a rich set of walnut stalls with misericords dating from the same period, various sculptures, and also the organ dating from the 19th century! The immediate vicinity of the former convent of the Visitation reminds us of the location of the former palace of the bishops of Sisteron. This cathedral has been classified as a historical monument since 1840. A beautiful ensemble to see!
