Cathédrale St-Front at Périgueux
Abadie's inspiration for the Sacre-Coeur
Although not the original Cathedral in Périgueux, this huge Romanesque-Byzantine church became the seat of the Bishop of Périgueux in 1669 - the original Cathedral was the nearby St-Etienne, a splendid example of the Périgord-Romanesque style, close to the ruins of the Temple de Vésone in the Cité District.
The Romanesque-Byzantine structure is very similar to St Mark's in Venice consisting of Greek cross format and five cupolas. It was constructed during the 12th Century over a 6th Century chapel but badly damaged during the Wars of Religion, the Fronde and the French Revolution.
Restored by Paul Abadie in the late 19th Century, all that remains of the original building is the magnificent Romanesque bell tower.
In the interior, check out the splendid Baroque walnut and oak altarpiece.
Place de la Clautre,
24000 Périgueux
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