Perpignan Cathedral — Attraction in Perpignan

A mix of Catalan and Provençal architecture dominates the whole of Perpignan but no building is more typical of this than Perpignan’s historical Cathedral. This church is neither a grand building nor a monumental masterpiece of artisanship but its uniqueness and incomparable unparallelism to any other place of worship in France ought to make it a must-see on any Languedoc-Roussillon itinerary. Right in front of the Cathedral is Place Gambetta, a sprawling rectangular hub lined with stylish eateries that seem to be elbowing for table space outside. The red-brick facade of the Cathedral, uniquely impressive with its zigzag patterns of shining pebbled covering cannot be fully appreciated and photographed unless you come here early, before the square is taken over by senior Perpignanais who every summer turn the place into a lunch-time rendezvous. The simple wrought-iron bell cage that towers above the Cathedral’s squat steeple is a typical Roussillon characteristic. Step inside and you will be greeted by a vast hall nave that accommodates no less than a dozen interesting wood carvings and gilded ornamental artworks. The medieval Gothic interior, dating back to the onset of the 16th century is rather gloomy but the lovely stained-glass window behind the high altar compensates for the dark ambience, particularly on a sunny day when the entire presbytery evolves into a superb example of shining marble and gilt. The Catalan altarpiece, depicting St John the Baptist is a sober chiaroscuro painting. The adjoining cloister that includes the Campo Santo cemetery contains an avalanche of three-century-old white-marble tombs, niches and statuary that are surprisingly well-preserved and in tiptop condition. It is a vast impressive place, unlike any burial place in France. Anyone with a taste for mysticism will delight in the display, sombre at times, religiously...

Front porch was under renovation and bar the wrought iron bell tower the front of the Cathedral is relatively simple, only 2 or 3 gargoyles on the front hint at what lies within. The cathedral is dark, long and broad with short arms for the normal cruciform layout, but the surprise is the sections/vaults along the left and right of the main body. Each section is about 10 feet wide and contains a dedicated altar or area for a particular dedication to a Saint or similar. Some are highly ornate in gilded wood or plaster, some held carved stone, marble or paintings. Everywhere paintings added to the depth and quality, bare stone walls were a rarity....

Beautiful inside..they R renovating it, so a bit noisy outside. Inside is very historical.. if they cld put a bit more info we cld have a better idea of what is what and who built what??! In French of course but in English too being the international language! Inside needs repairs too unfortunately.. could be much more interesting to visit. How about u have to put 1 euro to light up the place so we can see things more clearly as it's very gloomy inside?? Just a...