Limoges Cathedral Religious Site

Address: Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Limoges, Place de la République, 87000 Limoges, France

Hours: Typically daytime hours (check local parish notices)

Admission: Free (donations welcome)

Limoges Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Limoges, Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the seat of the Bishop of Limoges. Construction began in 1273 and continued intermittently into the 19th century.

The fabric displays Gothic architectural forms with notable vaulted interiors and extensive stained glass. Visitors commonly note the cathedral’s long nave, the choir area and the sequence of medieval to 19th-century windows that fill the aisles and transepts.

Building began in the late 13th century under the diocesan authorities; work and alterations continued across the medieval and early modern periods, with restorations and additions made during the 19th century. The site has functioned continuously as the city cathedral since its completion phases.

The cathedral stands in central Limoges, within the urban core of the city of Limoges in west-central France. It is a short walk from other central landmarks and public squares in the city.

• Construction timeline: Construction began in 1273 and continued intermittently into the 19th century, so features span several Gothic phases.
• Ecclesiastical seat: Serves as the seat of the Bishop of Limoges and is located in the historic centre of Limoges.

What to See#

• Choir: Located in the choir and eastern end of the building, the cathedral choir contains the principal altar and liturgical furnishings and provides views of several of the building’s historic stained-glass windows.
• Stained-glass windows: A series of stained-glass windows dating from the medieval period through the 19th century are installed throughout the nave and transepts and are a principal decorative feature.

Limoges is served by rail connections to Paris-Bercy and regional cities; the cathedral is a short walk from Limoges-Bénédictins station into the historic center.

• Stand in the nave and watch the light change across the vaulted ceiling - the cathedral's acoustics also make it worth visiting if a choir or organ is playing.
• Look for the 12th-century crypt and medieval capitals that many visitors hurry past.
• The cathedral sits near the old town; combine the visit with a stroll through Limoges' porcelain shops and ateliers.