| Cathedral of Saint Cecilia of Albi Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi | |
|---|---|
 View of Albi Cathedral | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholic Church |
| Province | Archdiocese of Albi within Ecclesiastical Province of Toulouse |
| Region | Midi-Pyrénées |
| Rite | Latin |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Leadership | Jean Legrez |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Place Sainte-Cécile, Albi, France  |
| Geographic coordinates | 43°55′43″N 2°08′35″E / 43.928492°N 2.142945°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | church |
| Style | Southern French Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 1282 |
| Completed | 1480 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 113.5 m (372 ft) |
| Width | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Height (max) | 78 m (256 ft) |
| Materials | red brick |
| Official name | Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi |
| Location | Europe |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iv), (vi) |
| Inscription | 2010 (34th Session) |
The Cathedral of Saint Cecilia of Albi (French: Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi), also known as Albi Cathedral, is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Albi. First built in the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade, the grim exterior resembles a fortress, but the interior is lavishly decorated with art and sculpture, a very ornate choir screen, and walls in bright blues and golds, in the Toulousian or Southern French Gothic style. It was begun in 1282 and was under construction for 200 years. It is claimed to be the largest brick building in the world.[1] In 2010 the cathedral, along with its episcopal buildings, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique architecture and the remarkable consistency in its design.[2][3]
- ^ Holly Haynes, "Albi Cathedral", Sacred Destinations
- ^ Sire 2013, p. 3.
- ^ "Episcopal City of Albi". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 21 November 2021.