🏛️ Lieu
Patrimoine & Culture
COLLÉGIALE SAINT MICHEL
📍 Castelnaudary, Aude
· Rue Saint Michel, 11400 Castelnaudary
À propos
Saint Michel Church is 60m long, 20m wide and 25m high. The bell tower is 50m high.
Built in the 13th century in pure Southern Gothic style, it was in 1318 that Pope John XXII elevated the parish church of Saint Michel to the rank of collegiate church: a chapter of canons took up residence there, exercising pastoral and administrative functions for the diocese. An imposing cloister was built against the south gutter wall of the collegiate church (where the courthouse now stands). In 1355, during the Hundred Years' War, the Black Prince, son of Edward III of England, seized and burned the town. The original wooden vault was destroyed and rebuilt in stone, of which only the first bay remains today.
The great classical organs were built between 1774 and 1778 by Jean-Pierre Cavaillé, then enlarged in 1860 by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Having become romantic in style, they were listed as Monuments Historiques in 1969.
Open for self-guided tours in the afternoons, the Tourist Office also offers guided tours for individuals during the summer months, subject to payment and reservation.
These tours are held on specific dates, but the guide can be privatized on a date of your choice.
Guided tours for groups are available all year round, subject to prior booking with the Tourist Office.
Built in the 13th century in pure Southern Gothic style, it was in 1318 that Pope John XXII elevated the parish church of Saint Michel to the rank of collegiate church: a chapter of canons took up residence there, exercising pastoral and administrative functions for the diocese. An imposing cloister was built against the south gutter wall of the collegiate church (where the courthouse now stands). In 1355, during the Hundred Years' War, the Black Prince, son of Edward III of England, seized and burned the town. The original wooden vault was destroyed and rebuilt in stone, of which only the first bay remains today.
The great classical organs were built between 1774 and 1778 by Jean-Pierre Cavaillé, then enlarged in 1860 by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Having become romantic in style, they were listed as Monuments Historiques in 1969.
Open for self-guided tours in the afternoons, the Tourist Office also offers guided tours for individuals during the summer months, subject to payment and reservation.
These tours are held on specific dates, but the guide can be privatized on a date of your choice.
Guided tours for groups are available all year round, subject to prior booking with the Tourist Office.
