The Cathedral in Bordeaux, named the “Saint-Andre de Bordeaux” (Andre being French for Andrew) was started in the 12th century. It was built on top of a small church that itself was built in the 3rd century.
It’s location (right next to the City Hall, courts and close to the Governor’s mansion) is right in the center of the city.
The cathedral has played an important part in the life of the French royals. King Louis VII and King Louis XIII both got married in this church. Even the English royals were often seen here; Richard II was baptised here, and even Queen Elizabeth II has come to this church.
This city/town forms part of one of the French legs of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes
Outside, the Gothic style cathedral dominates the square it is located on.
The main entrance to the cathedral is adorned with statues:
Entrance to the Bordeaux Cathedral
Closeup view of the statues at the Bordeaux Cathedral entranceInside, the church is sumptuous, but not as magnificent as several of the Spanish cathedrals (like Sevilla or Malaga).
Inside the Bordeaux Cathedral
The altar of the Bordeaux CathedralThe organ, which was reputed to have been the most elaborate and beautiful in all of Europe, was initially built in 1427. But over the centuries it had fallen in disrepair, and eventually it was melted down during the French revolution to be used by the army.
The ‘new’ organ of the cathedral of Bordeaux
Closeup of the Bordeaux Cathedral organAfter centuries of trying to get the organ right (they used organs from other churches, but the sounds was never right), finally in 1982 a new organ were manufactured for the cathedral. The organ is recognized to be one of the biggest in France.
The inside of the cathedral is ornate, but not outrageously so
Statues inside the Bordeaux Cathedral
Inside the cathedral of Bordeaux
The sacristy within the Bordeaux CathedralThere are, like in any Catholic church, several chapels dedicated to various saints.
One of several chapels in the Bordeaux Cathedral
A chapel in the cathedral of Bordeaux
One of the bigger chapels in the Bordeaux Cathedral
One of the bigger chapels in the cathedral of BordeauxConclusion
The Cathedral of Bordeaux is quite a nice church, not ostentatious or pretentious. It’s quite pleasant and airy.
Access is free.
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