The Auxerre Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Stephen of Auxerre (French: Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre), is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Auxerre, in the Burgundy region of France. This cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Auxerre.
Click here to see where the cathedral is located on Google Maps
The structure is renowned for its remarkable architecture, including both Romanesque and Gothic styles, as it was built and expanded from the 11th to the 16th century.
Here are some key features of the Auxerre Cathedral:
1. Architecture: The cathedral exhibits a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture due to its long construction period. The crypt and the nave are primarily Romanesque, while the choir, transepts, and facades are mainly Gothic.
2. The Crypt: One of the oldest parts of the cathedral, the crypt dates back to the 11th century. It's a Romanesque structure with a central nave surrounded by aisles.
3. The Nave: The nave of the cathedral is a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The Romanesque nave has a flat wooden ceiling, while the aisles are vaulted.
4. The Choir and Transept: These are prime examples of Gothic architecture with magnificent stained glass windows dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
5. The Facade: The main west facade of the cathedral is a stunning example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, featuring a large rose window and elaborate tracery. Three portals depict various biblical scenes, saints, and bishops of Auxerre.
6. Stained Glass Windows: The cathedral houses some stunning examples of medieval stained glass, some of which date back to the 13th century. These windows depict various biblical narratives and scenes from the lives of saints.
7. Statuary: The cathedral is adorned with a variety of statuary, both inside and out. These include sculptures on the facade, as well as statues and carvings inside the cathedral.
NOTE: The last statue you see above is that of Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc, known for her deep faith, made a significant journey in early 1429 from her home in Domrémy to the court of Charles VII in Chinon, a journey of several hundred miles. During this journey, in line with her devout practice to have stopped at significant cathedrals along the way to pray. The Auxerre Cathedral was one such place she visited.
This would have been a crucial time in her life, as she was on her way to fulfill what she believed was her divine mission to support Charles VII and help drive the English out of France during the Hundred Years' War.
Like other historic buildings, the Auxerre Cathedral has undergone a series of renovations and restorations over the centuries.
Here are some other views of the inside of the Auxerre Cathedral:
Click here to access the cathedral’s website (in French only)