Narbonne Cathedral, Narbonne, France

Narbonne Cathedral,dedicated to Saints Justus and Pastor, was the seat of the Archbishop of Narbonne until the Archbishopric was merged into the Diocese of Carcassonne under the Concordat of 1801. The church was declared a basilica minor in 1886. The building, begun in 1272, is noted for being unfinished.

The site has a long history as a place of worship. In 313, just after the Edict of Milan, a Constantinian basilica was erected on approximately the same spot as the present cathedral. Ruined by a fire in 441, it took 37 days to demolish those parts of the basilica that had escaped destruction. Then a Latin basilica was constructed by Bishop Rusticus, who was encouraged in his work by the Gaulish prefect, Marcellus. The basilica was finished on November 29, 445. Originally dedicated to Saint Genesius of Arles, it was re-dedicated in 782 to the young Spanish martyrs Saint Justus and Pastor. Little remains of this building: two Roman columns from the former forum, used in the nave, can now be seen in the present cloister; the lintel and an aedicule of white marble can now be seen in the Lapidary Museum of Narbonne.

A Carolingian cathedral was erected in 890 by Archbishop Theodard (d. 893). Its steeple, largely restored, is visible from the cloister. Yet despite the help given to it by three popes, this church fell into ruin.

The idea to build a Gothic cathedral was a political decision made in 1268 by Pope Clement IV, the former archbishop of Narbonne. He decided that it would be a monument made in the magnificent style of the Kingdom of France. The construction of the new cathedral was supposed to begin in 1264, but did not actually start until 1272. The first stone of the current cathedral was laid by Archbishop Maruin on April 13, 1272, in the foundation of the current Chapel of the Sacred Heart.

The choir was finished in 1332, but the rest of the building was never completed, as the result of many factors including sudden changes in the economic status of Narbonne, its unusual size and geographical location (to complete it would have meant demolishing the city wall) and financial constraints.

References:

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User Reviews

Raquel Fernández Segura (21 days ago)
Narbonne Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur) is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the world. If you are visiting the south of France, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture is an absolute must-see! From the moment you lay eyes on its towering, unfinished walls, you can feel the weight of history and artistry that went into its construction. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and remains an incredible example of French Gothic design. Despite never being completed, its sheer scale and intricate details make it one of the most fascinating and beautiful religious sites in Europe. Stepping inside, the first thing that strikes you is the soaring height of the nave. The ribbed vaults and grand arches create a sense of awe that is hard to describe. The stained-glass windows are simply stunning, casting vibrant colors across the stone walls and filling the space with an ethereal glow. Each window tells a story, and if you take the time to admire them, you’ll discover scenes from biblical history brought to life

David (55 days ago)
Wow, what a place! As a non-religious person, you almost feel religious when you step into this magnificent building.

Dionne Williams (10 months ago)
A stunning example of its time, worth a visit! I lit a candle for my niece who tragically passed away the day we visited ?️?

Sue Real (13 months ago)
Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur is a beautiful cathedral with breathtaking stained glass windows, elegant chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and captivating paintings. The stone-sculpted chapel and massive organ add to its grandeur. Entry is free, making it a must-visit attraction in Narbonne. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this magnificent cathedral if you're in the area.

Roberto Rodríguez Perrino (2 years ago)
Impressive Cathedral located in the heart of the city. From the outside, you can notice it has a Gothic-tyle and has a beautiful tall bell tower. Inside, the Cathedral is even more beautiful, with stunning stained-glass windows and elaborate decorations. The organ is huge simply amazing. The staff is friendly and informative, and they're happy to answer any questions you may have. Definitely a must-see attraction in Narbonne.

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