February 6, 2009

Photo du Jour - Saint-Nazaire Cathedral


The exterior of the apse of the Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire in Béziers.

"The typical postcard image of Béziers, Saint Nazaire Cathedral was also witness to the Cathar tragedy. The cathedral was first mentioned in the 8th C. In 1130, the master builder Gervais built a Romanesque church of which little is left today. In fact, it was burned down on 22 July 1209 as part of the Crusade against the Albigensians. It was said that the cathedral "split in half like a pomegranate". Rebuilt between the 13th and 15th Cs, it is still a superb example of southern Gothic architecture with magnificent frescoes, a fascinating organ case, and other interesting items." - from Découvertes de l'Hérault Pin It

2 comments:

Cathy said...

What a beautiful photo!

I posted some photos of the Oregon coast yesterday. Our weather has been great and I got away for a day at the beach. Thought you might be interested.

Jennifer said...

Thanks for letting me know...I'm going to have a look right now.
Glad that you're enjoying good weather!