Saint -Papoul abbey and cathedral - Saint-Papoul, France
The Carolingian monastery of Saint-Papoul was founded in the 8C In 1317, Pope John XX11 transformed the abbey church into a cathedral. Thirty-seven bishops controlled this bishopric before it was supressed in 1790. Today the remains of the old monastery can be visited, including the church, with its 14 C nave and 12 C choir, recently restored Baroque decor, 14 Gothic cloister and fine chevet. The latter is one of the masterpieces of the 12 C Southern Romanasque style and some of its storiated capitals and modillions are the work of the famous Master of Cabestany. The Bishops' Palace, a magnificent building dating from the 17C and 18C, is not open to the public. Saint-Papoul is now used to host musical and cultural events during the summer months. The Collegiate church of Castelnandary The site of two famous battles during the Albigensian Crusade, Castelnaudary has been the capital of the Lauragais since the 15C The parish church by Pope John XX11 in 1318, h...