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 most prominent features are probably 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 Carolongian/Ottonina westwork. The rose-window makes clear, that this is younger.

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".