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Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile, Albi

4.8

Must see · World heritage site · Architectural Building · Church

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Allegedly the largest brick building in the world, Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile features many oversized structures, including a vault that boasts the largest painted surface in the world at 200 sq m (656 sq ft). These frescoes make up the largest and oldest ensemble of Italian Renaissance paintings in France. Added in 1492 CE, the bell tower stands 78 m (256 ft) tall. The nave is the widest Gothic example in France at 18 m (60 ft). Over 200 magnificent polychrome statues carved by artists from Cluny's workshops decorate the interior with their original colors. See Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile and all Albi has to offer by arranging your trip with our Albi day trip planning app.

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Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

4,396 reviews

Google

4.7

By Terry M

It was only a highway sign noting Albi at 'patrimoine mondial' that we detoured to have a look. The cathedral was breathtaking in size, the world's largest cathedral made of brick. Its interior is...

It was only a highway sign noting Albi at 'patrimoine mondial' that we detoured to have a look. The cathedral was breathtaking in size, the world's largest cathedral made of brick. Its interior is... more »
By thechronictraveller

This cathedral is so stunningly beautiful that you should plan a trip to Occitanie just to visit it. The artwork inside the church is some of the most brilliant in Europe. The vaulted ceiling is...

This cathedral is so stunningly beautiful that you should plan a trip to Occitanie just to visit it. The artwork inside the church is some of the most brilliant in Europe. The vaulted ceiling is... more »
By CheltenhamPaul

The sheer size of this place takes your breath away. The interior does not disappoint either. We were lucky to be there when there was an organ concert on. A must see if in Albi and well worth a...

The sheer size of this place takes your breath away. The interior does not disappoint either. We were lucky to be there when there was an organ concert on. A must see if in Albi and well worth a... more »

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By Jane Murphy

One of the most extraordinary churches I have ever been in. The hand painted murals (and you are told there are 18,500 sq metres of them) are just wonderful - so detailed and so colourful - and so vast! I found the geometric one's fascinating - so precise and clever - given the tools available when they were painted. Do pay the 5 Euros for the audio tour - and click through all the suggestions - enough of what they say is interesting to make it worthwhile. The cathedral was also an oasis of cool and calm in the very hot spell we had earlier this month. Do visit - you will not be disappointed!!!!! (I've added a few photos but you need to visit to get the full grandeur!

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By NGUYEN Thanh Van

Wow, so magnificent. It’s the most beautiful Cathedral I’ve ever seen. Take a close look to 3D decorations in different angles. They are really special for that time.

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By Bob Plunkett

So insanely huge I couldn’t get a good shot because it wouldn’t fit in the lens. But no matter it fills your eyes and brain with magnificence. The ticket price includes a superb audio guide which will keep you there for hours. You have to use the public WC outside but they will hold your audio guide and let you back in so don’t suffer.

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By Gabriella

Really stunning cathedral! It’s incredibly huge and the inside is beautiful, with blue ceilings! A must-see in Albi ✨⛪️

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By Val Girling

This was amazing both from the outside and the inside! Gigantic! Such a beautiful interior with 500 year old ceilings that look so freshly painted. Glorious!

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