Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Saint Stephanus

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".. A prominent feature of the cathedral are the two domes over the (a third one collapsed in the 13th century). Here is one. The paintings were coated with plaster and got rediscovered in the 19th century. Seen in the centre is the martyrdom of Saint Steven (Stephanus, Etienne) to whom the church is dedicated.

Isolated, surrounded by an old graveyard, near the village of Valcabrère (pop. ~150) stands the extraordinary Basilica Saint-Just, erected within the 11th and 12th century for the pilgrims walking the "Chemin du Piemont". The basilica is only about half an hour walk east of the Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, the seat of an ancient diocese. In Roman time the area was densely populated and the settlement may have had about 30.000 inhabitants, before it got looted by the Vandals within the 5th century. When the building process of the Basilica started, there were still lots of Roman ruins around. These older material got reused here. The portal of the basilica has impressive carvings. Four lifesize jamb statues flank the entrance. Three men (of which two hold a book) and one woman. All are standing on hellish creatures. Above their heads are very large and elaborate capitals. Here are the (nicely combed) heads of the two jamb statues of the left side - and the capitals above them. Seen on the capitals are to martyrdoms. On the left somebody gets decapitated, while on the right the stoning of Saint Stephen is seen.