Episcopal City of Albi in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
La Cité épiscopale d'Albi
Ville d'Albi

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2010
Size of heritage: 19 ha
- Buffer zone: 64 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 2,143°
Latitude: 43,928°

Summary

On the banks of the Tarn river in south-west France, the old city of Albi reflects the culmination of a medieval architectural and urban ensemble. Today the Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux), the Saint-Salvi quarter and its church are testimony to its initial development (10th -11th centuries). Following the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics (13th century) it became a powerful episcopal city. Built in a unique southern French Gothic style from local brick in characteristic red and orange colours, the lofty fortified Cathedral (late 13th century) dominates the city, demonstrating the power regained by the Roman Catholic clergy. Alongside the Cathedral is the vast bishop’s Palais de la Berbie, overlooking the river and surrounded by residential quarters that date back to the Middle Ages. The Episcopal City of Albi forms a coherent and homogeneous ensemble of monuments and quarters that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.

Location on Map

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Episcopal City of Albi

The Episcopal City of Albi, located in the Tarn department of southern France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional architectural and urban ensemble. This historic city, situated on the banks of the Tarn River, is home to the imposing Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Berbie Palace, which together form a remarkable testimony to the power and influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the region.

History

The history of the Episcopal City of Albi dates back to the Middle Ages when it emerged as a major center of the Cathar heresy. In response to this religious movement, the Catholic Church initiated the construction of the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral in the late 13th century. This massive fortress-like structure, with its distinctive red brick façade, was intended to symbolize the strength and authority of the Catholic Church.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the city flourished economically and culturally, becoming a hub of trade and intellectual activity. The construction of the Berbie Palace, adjacent to the cathedral, further enhanced the city's prestige. This palace served as the residence of the powerful bishops of Albi and now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who was born in Albi.

Current State

The Episcopal City of Albi stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of the region. The Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, with its imposing bell tower and intricate interior decorations, remains one of the largest brick structures in the world. Its unique blend of Gothic and Southern French architectural styles is a sight to behold.

The Berbie Palace, with its fortified walls and towers, showcases the grandeur and power of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. Today, it houses an extensive collection of Toulouse-Lautrec's works, providing visitors with a glimpse into the life and art of this influential painter.

Exploring the narrow streets and squares of the Episcopal City of Albi is like stepping back in time. The city's medieval layout, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, creates an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the old town, discovering charming shops, cafes, and traditional markets.

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
33 Avenue Maréchal Joffre
81000 Albi
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 07:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Mon Hypnose à Albi : Julie 27/09/2014. (Street Hypnose) HD

Published: October 01, 2014
Length: 39:53 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Mon Hypnose

Séance de Street Hypnose à Albi avec Julie. Rencontre dans une ambiance sereine, les phénomènes suivants sont passés sans induction "physique" pas de rupture de pattern : mouvements ...

Albi les jardins du Palais de la Berbie

Published: October 03, 2013
Length: 54:08 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Office de Tourisme Albi

www.albi-tourisme.fr Les jardins du Palais de la Berbie, ancienne résidence épiscopale, sont un lieu très apprécié des Albigeois et des visiteurs. La promenade sur les anciens remparts...

Albi l'ancienne cathédrale

Published: October 15, 2013
Length: 34:13 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: Office de Tourisme Albi

www.albi-tourisme.fr Avant la construction de la cathédrale Sainte-Cécile existait une autre cathédrale construite au début du Vème siècle, elle était située entre la Palais de la...

Albi le quartier du Castelviel

Published: October 03, 2013
Length: 52:04 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Office de Tourisme Albi

www.albi-tourisme.fr Berceau de la ville, le Castelvieil est un ancien bourg fortifié situé aux pieds de l'imposant clocher-tour de la cathédrale. La place Saint-Loup et la place Savène...

Albi le Cloître de la collégiale Saint-Salvi

Published: October 03, 2013
Length: 55:15 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Office de Tourisme Albi

www.albi-tourisme.fr La collégiale Saint-Salvi et son cloître se trouvent à quelques pas de la cathédrale Sainte-Cécile. Entrez ici dans le cloître, découvrez galerie et jardin des simples....

Albi - Gîte Saint Loup

Published: April 23, 2014
Length: 25:50 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Fabienne Lazo

www.albi-tourisme.com Le gîte Saint-Loup vous ouvre sa porte dans un cadre préservé, au cœur du périmètre classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO en 2010. Sa situation exceptionnelle,...

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Near airports

Albi-Le Séquestre Airport
Medium airport - 2 mi (3 km)

Castres-Mazamet Airport
Medium airport - 27 mi (44 km)

Rodez-Marcillac Airport
Medium airport - 37 mi (60 km)

Montauban Airport
Medium airport - 39 mi (63 km)

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
Large airport - 44 mi (71 km)

Cahors-Lalbenque Airport
Medium airport - 44 mi (72 km)

Carcassonne Airport
Medium airport - 50 mi (81 km)

Aurillac Airport
Medium airport - 68 mi (110 km)

Brive-La Roche Airport
Large airport - 91 mi (147 km)

Bordeaux-Mérignac (BA 106) Airport
Large airport - 154 mi (249 km)