Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence

Cathedral in Aix en Provence

Baptistère Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix En Provence
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ddeveze

The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution. Located at 2 rue Gaston-de-Saporta, it is steeped in legend, said to have been erected on the ancient site of a temple dedicated to Apollo. Over time, it has undergone numerous alterations, resulting in a blend of architectural styles.

Measuring 70 meters in length and 46 meters in width, with an elevation reaching 20 meters under the keystone, the cathedral is a remarkable feat of construction. Its façade showcases three distinct phases of development: from the bare Romanesque nave of the 12th century to the later incorporation of antique blocks and the addition of a Gothic portal in the 16th century.

Surrounding the cathedral are buildings constructed over the centuries, including the claustral building of the canons’ community, cloister buildings spanning from the 11th to 13th centuries, and the completion of the bell tower in 1425.

Legend intertwines with history in the cathedral’s origins. Stories suggest it was built upon the ancient Via Aurelia, with fragments of a Roman wall and baptistery columns fueling tales of its connection to Apollo. Christian tradition credits Saint Maximin with the initial construction, following his arrival from Palestine.

The cathedral’s architecture reflects its rich history. While the baptistery possibly dates back to the 5th or 6th century, the Romanesque portion was likely constructed in the late 11th century under Archbishop Rostang de Fos and Provost Benoît. Notable features include the intricately carved walnut doors, commissioned in 1505, and the octagonal baptistery, believed to be among France’s oldest, adorned with plasterwork and crowned in 1579.

Through centuries of change and adaptation, the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral remains a symbol of spiritual and architectural significance in Aix-en-Provence.

The Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Aix en Provence!

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Visiting Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence

Hours:

All year round, every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebration of Masses:

Monday to Friday at 8 a.m.

Saturday at 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.


Price:

Free

Address: Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence, Place des Martyrs de la Resistance, Aix-en-Provence, France
Duration: 20 minutes
Official Website

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