Montpellier Cathedral is a large 14th-century Gothic church in the centre of the old city. With its towers, turrets and ramparts, the building resembles a medieval fortress. Its full name is Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier and it became a cathedral in 1536. The structure was heavily damaged in the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in the 17th century. It is the only church in Montpellier’s historic area to have survived the war.
Before going inside, tour the impressive exterior and look for the gargoyles that were embedded in the 17th and 19th centuries. See the magnificent porch, supported by two mammoth columns, that once bore the coat of arms of Pope Urban V who consecrated the church in 1367.
Browse the many works of art hanging from the interior walls. One of the most famous is Sebastien Bourdon’s 17th-century painting The Fall of Simon Magus. Admire the stained-glass windows with their colourful depictions of biblical scenes. Appreciate the vastness of the interior with its high vaulted ceilings and grand stone archways.
Gaze at the impressive-looking organ that dates from 1776. There are 140 visible pipes, but more than 5,000 are hidden from view. See the figures of angels playing instruments on each of the organ’s five turrets. Every Saturday, from June to September, the cathedral hosts free organ concerts featuring national and international artists. Details are available on its website.
Visit the cathedral’s many chapels for their paintings, statues and richly decorated altars.
Montpellier Cathedral is open daily from morning until early evening, although it closes for a couple of hours during lunchtime. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Religious services are conducted here on most days.
Situated in the historic centre of the city, the cathedral is easy to reach by public transport. Among the nearby attractions to visit while you are in the neighbourhood are Peyrou Park, the Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier and the Place de la Comédie.
