Autun Cathedral Church

Address: Cathédrale Saint-Lazare, Place Saint-Lazare, 71400 Autun, France

Autun Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d’Autun) is a Romanesque cathedral in Autun, Burgundy, France, constructed in the 12th century. It is particularly renowned for its sculptural program, including a major Last Judgment tympanum by the master sculptor Gislebertus.

The cathedral’s west portal displays large carved reliefs showing biblical scenes, while the interior preserves Romanesque architectural forms in the nave, choir, and crypt. Visitors come to study the stone sculpture, architectural details, and to see the medieval craftsmanship concentrated in a relatively compact cathedral complex.

Construction took place in the 12th century as a bishopric seat and pilgrimage church, with the sculptor Gislebertus credited for important sculptural additions around the early to mid 1100s. The building has undergone repairs and conservation but retains its Romanesque character.

The cathedral stands in the historic center of Autun in eastern France’s Burgundy region and dominates the town’s medieval core.

• Gislebertus tympanum: The sculpted tympanum by Gislebertus is one of the most important Romanesque reliefs in France and is best seen up close at the west entrance of the cathedral.

What to See#

• West portal and tympanum: The west portal contains a large carved tympanum by the medieval sculptor Gislebertus depicting the Last Judgment, a major work of Romanesque sculpture dating to the early 12th century.
• Crypt and choir: The cathedral’s crypt and choir contain Romanesque architectural elements and sculptural decoration that illustrate the building phases of the 12th century.

Autun Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Lazare) is in the centre of Autun, Burgundy. By car it’s about 1-1.5 hours from Dijon (roughly 80-100 km) via the A6 and regional roads; there is local parking around the town center.

By train, regional TER services connect Autun with nearby rail hubs (for example Le Creusot/Montchanin); from Autun station the cathedral is in the town centre and typically a 10-20 minute walk.

• Check opening hours before you go-Autun Cathedral's access can be limited around services and seasonal schedules so timing your visit avoids locked doors.
• Spend time at the west portal to study the famous Gislebertus Last Judgment tympanum and the richly carved capitals inside the nave-these Romanesque sculptures are the cathedral's highlight and are often missed by hurried visitors.
• Combine your visit with the nearby Roman remains (the theatre and ramparts) in Autun to appreciate the town's continuity from antiquity through the medieval period.