Rieux-Volvestre - Cathédrale de la Nativité-de-Marie

A priory existed here already, when after the Albingensian Crusade, Pope John XXII founded the diocese of Rieux in 1317. A couple of small dioceses were founded at that time (eg. Mirepoix, Saint-Papoul, Alet..) to increase the presence of Catholic "control" in the former Cathar area.

The cathedral was built in the 14th century in the "gothique méridional" style. The tower is impressive. The diocese of Rieux existed upto the French Revolution.

Now Rieux-Volvestre is a small, picturesque town with a population of about 2500. This was my seond visit here - and again, the cathedral was locked.