Saint-Pons-de-Thomières Cathedral

Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, France

Saint-Pons-de-Thomières Cathedral was formerly the seat of the Bishopric of Saint-Pons, founded like a number of bishoprics in the region in the aftermath of the suppression of the Albigensians. By a Papal bull dated 18 February 1318, Pope John XXII created the see by elevating the abbey of Saint-Pons, which had been here since its foundation in 936 by Raymond, Count of Toulouse. The bishopric was abolished by the Concordat of 1801 and merged into the Diocese of Montpellier.

The Romanesque abbey church became the present cathedral. It takes its dedication, like the town and the abbey, from Saint Pontius of Cimiez. It is particularly known for the carvings on and around the portals. During the French Wars of Religion the choir was destroyed; it was replaced with the present neo-classical east front.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

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4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Skunt Punk (15 months ago)
On the heights of Saint-Pons, when you see the old cathedral, you expect a dive into the glorious history of this bishopric which once shone over the region. You go down to the square, contemplate the east facade; notwithstanding the beauty of the stones, doubt sets in. Trust your instincts, turn on your heels, you've seen it all. If, however, you take the (bad!) idea of ​​pushing the door open, you will discover a kind of unsanitary, dusty storage room, which one can well wonder when it was able to house, for the last time, a mass. The scaffolding (the work began in the last century, no doubt), the damaged marble, the cracks and the mould... One wonders who is to blame, a diocese in full decay or decades (centuries!) of socialist municipal administration?
Clif Cason (16 months ago)
Google Translate: I am moving to Narbonne in 2024 and I would like to play the organ. I studied with Madame Marie-Claire Alain and I have a special place in my heart for the music of the French classical period. Who do I contact once my wife and I have moved? We will be in Narbonne around mid-October to sign the documents for the property we are going to buy. Maybe something could be worked out then too. Thank you for your time. Clif Cason I am moving to Narbonne in 2024 and would enjoy playing the organ. I studied with Madame Marie-Claire Alain and have a special place in my heart for music from the French Classical period. Who should I contact once my wife and I move? We will be in Narbonne sometime in mid-October to sign the documents for the property we are going to purchase. Maybe something could be worked out then as well. Thank you for your time. Clif Cason
Wayne Ferguson (2 years ago)
Its a church.
Thibaut (2 years ago)
Very beautiful cathedral which embellishes this charming village :)
evelyne cherance (3 years ago)
Surprise and unexpected discovery
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