It’s impossible not to think of Périgueux without the majestic grandeur of the 12th century UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral Saint-Front. It was rebuilt in the 19th century by architect Paul Abadie who also supervised the construction of the Sacré-Coeur in Paris.
Set apart from any other cathedrals in the Dordogne Valley, the massive structure blends both Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. Like St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, it is built in the shape of a Greek cross with an enormous steeple, turrets and five domes.
With a guided tour, take the opportunity to climb up to the roof of the cathedral where you can get a closer appreciation of the beauty of this construction while walking around the exterior of the domed turrets.
The grandeur of its exterior design is equally matched in the interiors. During the 19th century, renowned French architect Paul Abadie enlarged the domes adding pinnacles as he similarly did to Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral. Stepping inside, you can see hanging above the centre of the altar an enormous chandelier that originally hung in Notre-Dame.
The aesthetic elements of the monumental stone scale of the interior combine magically with the impressively beautiful stained glass windows. If you are lucky to hear the organ being played, it certainly adds a touch of ethereal beauty to the serene space.
