Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence

Very old and full of character, a fascinating mix of architecture. This is a beautiful historic site with layers of history. You can see a blend of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque styles all in one place. The stone carvings, wooden choir stalls, and ancient baptistery are especially impressive. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a visit just to admire the architecture and peaceful atmosphere. A great spot for photos and a quiet moment in the city.

Beautiful cathedral! You can clearly experience how it has grown during the many centuries, from the simple baptism area, through the Roman period, to the Gothic part. The extra gallery of the monastery is also worth a visit, with many icons on the pillars.

Especially from inside this cathedral is looking impressive. Get informed about the history in advance or have a visit inside with a Tour Guide. I am sure you will enjoy it!

So beaultiful and grand. It leaves me in awe. It was first build at 1th century, and then rebuilt in 12th century. You can see the architecture from both era. Walk in here as if it time went back to the pass. Stunning!

Beautiful ancient cathedral and full of character

Beautiful, ancient cathédrale that I happened to walk upon and discover. I was shocked by the architecture and the strong form that the church continues to have hundreds of years later. It was a part of the xi siécle. Free entry for all. There is also an acceuil for audio tours and the history. particularly good for kids.

Such an interesting experience 👌 Loads of artwork and sculptures that are quite different from what we have seen in other cathedrals across France during our trip. Unfortunately we missed seeing the cloister tour due to a concert but that looks like an amazing addition!

A cathedral hidden in the streets of Aix en Provence, but certainly full of beauty. Three naves with cross vaults, stained glass windows and huge chapels with very old and fine ornaments. Surely the altar makes a great impression together with the huge green organ.

As I walked around the Old Town of Aix-en-Provence, I noticed the huge cathedral. The Aix Cathedral is a beautiful Roman Catholic church and the seat of the Archbishop of Aix-en-Provence and Arles. The cathedral is built on the site of the 1st-century Roman forum of Aix. Built and re-built from the 12th until the 19th century, it includes Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic elements, as well as Roman columns and parts of the baptistery from a 6th-century Christian church. The cathedral, a national monument of France, is located on the route of the Roman road, the Via Aurelia. A fragment of a Roman wall and the columns of the baptistery seem to be the origin of the legend that the church was built on top of a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo. The historian Scholastique Pitton (1668) claimed that the temple had been dedicated to a sun god, basing his claim upon the discovery of the leg of a statue uncovered at the site. According to the Christian tradition, the first church on the site was founded by Saint Maximinus of Aix, who arrived in Provence from Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, with Mary Magdalene on a boat belonging to Lazarus. Maximin built a modest chapel on the site of the present cathedral and dedicated it to the Holy Saviour (le Saint Sauveur). During the invasion of the Saracens in the 8th and 9th centuries, the original chapel of Saint-Sauveur was destroyed. At the beginning of the 12th century, a new church was begun on the same site, with Romanesque walls bearing the three bays of a wide single nave, constituting a parish church dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Notre Dame de la Sède). It's a nice building to visit while in the city.

Beautiful! I stumbled on this cathedral when I was walking around. Would I suggest making a special trip here? I would normally say no... but there is not much to do in Aix-en-Provence, and the town is so small, that I guess you might as well! I was only here for about 5 minutes, but I did enjoy coming here!

We went to hear the Gregorian chants on Sunday afternoon, but missed them and instead heard some beautiful organ music while we were there. It is a lovely old church and well worth a visit. I just wish we hadn't missed the chanting! Very peaceful to sit and listen if the organist is playing.