Cathedral at Albi, France 1282-1480

The Cathedral at Albi

The Cathedral at Albi is reported to be the largest brick building in the world. The building did not originally start out as a church, but rather a fortress in 1287 during the Albigensian crusade. The church was built using some of the money made off of earlier crusades in which the victors determined that they needed to secure the area of Albi and establish a presence in the area. Due to political conflicts, wars, and the crusades, cathedral was under construction for 200 years. However, upon completion, it was one of the most formidable architectural feats of tis day. It is claimed to be the largest brick building in the world. “The bishop's city, a walled area encompassing the bishop's palace and the cathedral) claims to be the largest surviving brick-built complex on earth” (McDonald, 2016).

 Basilica of Saint Cécile, Albi - Plan

The church is part of a larger city, commonly referred to as the bishop’s city. The cathedral and surrounding structures were built at a time when a castle (or fortress, in this instance), was built in the middle of a town. This made it easier for the inhabitants of the castle to defend themselves from oncoming enemies.

The cathedral is notable for many reasons in addition to its large size. “Built in a unique southern French Gothic style from local brick in characteristic red and orange colours, the lofty fortified Cathedral (late 13th century) dominates the city, demonstrating the power regained by the Roman Catholic clergy. Alongside the Cathedral is the vast bishop’s Palais de la Berbie, overlooking the river and surrounded by residential quarters that date back to the Middle Ages” ” (McDonald, 2016).

Basilica of Saint Cécile, Albi

ceiling's texture 

In addition to being one of the most visited cathedrals in the region and being a masterpiece of art and design, it is a solid military fortress and is styled to defend against enemies with high windows and gun turrets. It has a bell tower that is 78 m high and provides viewers with a vantage point of the river and surrounding area. This would have come in handy during a time when lookouts were responsible for looking for approaching threats.
More importantly, the cathedral incorporates a lot of different architectural styles. “The decorative campaigns in the complex span the centuries and illustrate Catalan, Renaissance and Flemish styles that once flourished in the region. The jube, a construction composed of a screen, loft, and crucifix, and the choir were commissioned by Louis I of Ambois, Archbishop of Albi, at the end of the fifteenth century. Albi Cathedral represents a confluence of architectural and decorative styles demonstrating the important role Albi once played as a nexus of cultural, social and economic exchange” (“Albi Cathedral,” 2016). Today, it is a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site.


work cited:

Albi Cathedral. (2016). World Monuments Fund. Retrieved from: https://www.wmf.org/project/albi-cathedral

McDonald, J. (2016). Cité of Albi and the Castle of the Berbie. Cathar Castles. Retrieved from: http://www.catharcastles.info/albi.php