Cahors - Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

The Cahors Cathedral was erected between 1080 and1135. 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.

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne´s most prominent feature are the two domes, seen here from the banks of the River Lot. These two massive, 32 m-high, domes are huge!

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. It had been given to Aymatus, Bishop of Cahors, by Charlemagne. A relic similar to the "Shroud of Turin".


The tower to the right is not part of the cathedral, but belongs to Cahor´s medieval fortification.