Cathédrale Saint Pierre

A Romanesque cathedral! The architect Paul Abadie fils undertook a vast restoration campaign in the 19th century. Since 2000, the embellishment and restoration work has continued. The cathedral of Saint-Pierre, standing proudly on the edge of the plateau, has been a listed monument since 1840. The exceptional quality of its architecture and its sculpted programme make this 12th century Romanesque building a must-see destination for lovers of medieval art. Its restoration - begun in 2008 - is now coming to an end, providing the opportunity for an exciting (re)discovery. Saint-Pierre d'Angoulême is the work of Girard de Blay, a powerful bishop of the early 12th century who wanted to make the cathedral the showcase and symbol of his ambitions. The construction work lasted from 1110 to Girard's death in 1136. In the 19th century, the cathedral was saved by Paul Abadie fils (1812 - 1884). The architect - who was also the architect of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre in Paris - tirelessly directed the first major restoration work from 1852 to 1875. The twenty-metre high screen façade with its arches, featuring several dozen sculpted figures, is a masterpiece of Romanesque art in the south-west. As a nod to today's Angoulême, International City of Comics and Images, it evokes a large illustrated book where characters surrounded by arches form the beginnings of the very first comic strip! It is said that Romanesque architecture is a series of experiments. The interior of St. Peter's Cathedral demonstrates this once again! Here there are no dark barrel-vaulted naves or narrow aisles... everything is light, space and amplitude. Since 2016, the Treasure has benefited from a breathtaking scenography, the work of internationally renowned visual artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.