Cahors - Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

The Cahors Cathedral was erected between 1080 and 1135. It got consecrated by Pope Calixtus II in 1119. The same pope, who two years later could imprison his rival "Antipope" Gregory VIII. Four years later, Calixtus ended the Investiture Controversy by agreeing with Emperor Henry V on the Concordat of Worms.

During the times of medieval pilgrimage, this cathedral was an important place on the "Via Podiensis", as the "Sainte Coiffe" could be venerated here. This "Holy Headdress" was believed to have been used during Jesus' burial. Legends tell, that it had been given to the Bishop of Cahors by Charlemagne, but what is more likely it was brought to Cahors by Bishop Gerard de Cardillac after his trip to the Holy Land in 1113. A relic similar to the "Shroud of Turin".

Prominent features are the two domes (a third one collapsed in the 13th century). The cathedral´s castle-like, west-facing entrance section / bell-tower was added end of the 13th / early 14th century. It is very much like a massive Carolingian / Ottonian westwork. The rose-window makes clear, that this is younger.

It was widely discussed, whether the facade once had the elaborate Romanesque portal, that was later moved to the northern side. Since the 1980s it is proven (Bratke, Durliat), that the Romanesque portal was constructed for the northern side, where it is still today.