Saint-Antonin Cathedral in Pamiers

Let there be light! And the light was… That’s the impression you’ll get when you enter this magnificent cathedral in Pamiers. Your Les Grottes campsite in the Ariège Pyrenees will tell you a little about the history of this heritage site.

A listed cathedral

The oldest parts of Pamiers’ Cathedral of Saint-Antonin date back to the 12th century. It was listed as a Monument Historique on August 9, 1906. The building is truly remarkable! Built of Toulouse brick, a material typical of the region, the original church reveals its Romanesque architecture. Dare to pass under the cathedral portal. This part alone reflects the Romanesque period. The rest of the portal, in Gothic style, dates from the 14th century. Unfortunately, the many wars of religion during the 16th century caused heavy damage… Leaving only the bell tower standing, which could have been used as a watchtower. Admire the magnificent bell tower. Gothic in style, it is strongly inspired by that of the Jacobins in Toulouse. Imposing and briqueté, the octagonal tower is lit on each floor by geminated windows. The windows are flanked by loopholes that bear witness to the town’s stormy past. Listen to the majestic organ. The cathedral’s organ case dates back to the 18th century. For music lovers, the instrument has 38 stops on 4 manual keyboards and 1 pedalboard. In an organ, a “stop” is a row of pipes, the number of which corresponds to the range of the keyboard, enabling a given timbre and tessitura to be obtained. As you can see, the Cathedral of Saint-Antonin in Pamiers is well worth a visit. Recently restored, it is the seat of the diocese of Pamiers, Couserans and Mirepoix.

The Gothic style in churches and cathedrals

Visitors to Gothic churches and cathedrals are often struck by the light! Gothic cathedrals are among the most magnificent and recognizable architectural feats. With their sky-piercing towers and diffused light penetrating windows of increasingly clear tinted glass over the centuries, Gothic cathedrals transport visitors into an ethereal world, making them look up to the heavens. Thanks to the pointed arches, cross-arches and buttresses, rosettes and porticoes on the exterior, the taller, thinner walls allow the weight of the building to be distributed more efficiently. As a result, these buildings appear lighter and more graceful.