Embrun - Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Réal

Since 365, when Saint Marcellin became the first bishop here, a cathedral existed in Embrun. Saint Gregory of Tours wrote about a "basilica mirabilis" built over the tombs of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. After the Lombards had sacked Embrun end of the 6th century, Charlemagne funded the erection of a new cathedral. In the 10th century the Sarazens raided the area - and again looted the town (and killed the bishop).

The cathedral of today was built on foundations of Charlemagne´s basilica between 1170 and 1220.

Compared to the northern "Port Real", the central portal is pretty plain. The facade is dominated by the huge Gothic rose window (15th century), but there are as well some remarkable Romanesque carvings - like this mermaid.