Narbonne Cathedral

The St-Just and St-Pasteur Cathedral (Narbonne Cathedral) and the neighboring Archbishops' Palace form a unique architectural ensemble. Together they take up a majority of the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in Narbonne, France.

Narbonne Cathedral remains unfinished since the laying of the first stone in 1272. The plans required the partial demolition of the town wall, but the town council, fearing English invasion, refused to allow it. This, coupled with wars and epidemics, has left Narbonne Cathedral with only the choir and transept completed.

The two towers, 194 feet tall and dating from 1480, provide an sweeping view of the surrounding countryside. The interior features a tall (130 feet) vaulted choir, frescoes, and Flemish tapestries. 14th-and 15th-century cloisters connect Narbonne Cathedral to the neighboring Archbishops' Palace.

The 14th-century Great Reredos (back of the altar) was unveiled in March 2000 after being covered up for centuries. The sculptured panels depict 200 individual figures over 30 square yards. One section shows unhappy souls in a fiery hell, watched over by a smug Devil; another shows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and souls ascending to Paradise. A third part shows punishments of fire and ice-cold water in Purgatory.

Act Two of Giuseppe Verdi's opera Don Carlos takes place in the cloisters of St. Just.

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Quick Facts on Narbonne Cathedral

Site Information
Names:Cathedral Saint-Just · Narbonne Cathedral
Country:France
Categories:cathedrals
Styles:Gothic
Dedication: St. Just and St. Pasteur
Dates:1272-1480
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:43.184732° N, 3.003752° E
Address:Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville (enter on rue Gauthier), Narbonne, France
Narbonne, France
Phone:04-68-32-09-52
Hours:May-Sep daily 10am-7pm; Oct-Mar daily 9am-noon and 2-6pm
Lodging:View hotels near Narbonne Cathedral
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

More Information

© Henri Sivonen
© Henri Sivonen

Map of Narbonne Cathedral

Below is a location map and aerial view of Narbonne Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.