The Sainte-Marie cathedral of Auch, in the Gers, was built from 1489 on the foundations of a previous building of Romanesque origin. It was consecrated in 1548 but in reality, it was in the 17th century that the cathedral was completed when its Corinthian-inspired facade and porch were made.
The imposing-looking building (105 m long, 37 m wide and two high towers framing the entrance) reflects the political and religious power of the capital of Gascony when its archbishop, under the The Old Regime had authority over a territory stretching from the Pyrenees to Aquitaine via part of the Toulouse region.
The entire cathedral is in the Flamboyant Gothic style with Renaissance touches.
Listed as a Historic Monument since 1906, it has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes.
Restored in the 19th century, the cathedral is famous for its rich furnishings and the works of sacred art it houses.
This is the case with the 18 windows, made between 1507 and 1513 by the master glassmaker Arnaut de Moles, which line the chapels of the ambulatory and represent biblical scenes (Old and New Testament).
In the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, you can admire a magnificent sculpted representation of the Entombment also attributed to Arnaud de Moles.
As for the choir, it is a kind of church within the church due to its dimensions (33 m by 11): enclosed by a monumental altarpiece, paved on the floor with mosaics, it is made up of 113 high stalls and basses where more than 1500 characters are carved in oak wood, which constitutes an exceptional set.
Finally, not to mention the crypt, the organs are also veritable works of art, in particular the great organ by Jean de Joyeux (circa 1690). It is an architecture in oak wood, made by a local craftsman, Payerle.
It should be noted that nearly 200 objects of sacred art including statues, priestly vestments, pieces of goldsmithery are kept in the Treasury Museum of the Cathedral (located in the heart of the Tour d' Armagnac), opened in July 2015. Information and visits on +33 5 62 05 22 89.
As for the cathedral itself, it is open every day, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. 6 p.m. The choir closes 15 minutes before and after each service/celebration as well as before the daily closing of the cathedral. These hours are subject to change during public holidays.
Access is free (only entrance to the choir is charged - 2.50 euros).
Guided tours by the Land of Art and History of Grand Auch and information on +33 5 62 05 22 89.
