Nimes Cathedral, Nimes
Nîmes Cathedral is a significant Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Castor of Apt, a local patron saint.
Throughout its history, Nîmes Cathedral has served as the seat of the Bishops of Nîmes until 1877 when the diocese underwent a name change. Despite this transformation, the cathedral still remains the ecclesiastical seat for their successors, the Bishops of Nîmes, Uzès, and Alès.
The cathedral is believed to occupy the site where the former temple of Augustus once stood. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, showcasing the diverse historical influences that have shaped Nîmes over the centuries.
Upon approaching the cathedral, you'll immediately notice the western facade, which bears the scars of its tumultuous past. This exterior reflects the challenges the cathedral has faced throughout its existence.
The origins of a religious structure on this site can be traced back to the Roman temple of Augustus. Several elements of the cathedral's architecture, including the northwest tower and certain arches on the facade, were built in the 1100s. These elements endured the ravages of the French Wars of Religion in the 16th and 17th centuries.
As a result of the damage sustained, much of the cathedral underwent a significant reconstruction in the 19th century, adopting a neo-Gothic design. The interior also received a neo-Byzantine makeover, demonstrating the evolution of architectural styles and artistic influences over the years.
Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the organ, which dates back to 1643 and features an intricately carved buffet. This historical instrument is protected as a French national monument, adding to the cultural and historical significance of Nîmes Cathedral.
Throughout its history, Nîmes Cathedral has served as the seat of the Bishops of Nîmes until 1877 when the diocese underwent a name change. Despite this transformation, the cathedral still remains the ecclesiastical seat for their successors, the Bishops of Nîmes, Uzès, and Alès.
The cathedral is believed to occupy the site where the former temple of Augustus once stood. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, showcasing the diverse historical influences that have shaped Nîmes over the centuries.
Upon approaching the cathedral, you'll immediately notice the western facade, which bears the scars of its tumultuous past. This exterior reflects the challenges the cathedral has faced throughout its existence.
The origins of a religious structure on this site can be traced back to the Roman temple of Augustus. Several elements of the cathedral's architecture, including the northwest tower and certain arches on the facade, were built in the 1100s. These elements endured the ravages of the French Wars of Religion in the 16th and 17th centuries.
As a result of the damage sustained, much of the cathedral underwent a significant reconstruction in the 19th century, adopting a neo-Gothic design. The interior also received a neo-Byzantine makeover, demonstrating the evolution of architectural styles and artistic influences over the years.
Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the organ, which dates back to 1643 and features an intricately carved buffet. This historical instrument is protected as a French national monument, adding to the cultural and historical significance of Nîmes Cathedral.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nimes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Nimes Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Nimes Cathedral
Sight Location: Nimes, France (See walking tours in Nimes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nimes, France (See walking tours in Nimes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nimes, France
Create Your Own Walk in Nimes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nimes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ancient Roman Ruins in Nimes
Nicknamed “the French Rome,” the southern French town of Nimes is indeed the most Roman city outside of Italy. In large part, this is due to a wealth of architectural monuments that have remained here since the Roman era. Some ruined and some well-preserved, they offer a captivating glimpse into the ancient history stretching back to the early days of Roman expansion.
A true testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
A true testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nimes Introduction Walking Tour
Dubbed the most Roman city outside Italy, Nimes, a small city in Southern France, is steeped in history that harks back to the days of the mighty Roman Empire.
The name itself holds clues to the city's origin, reflecting Celtic roots and connection with the local god, Nemausus, associated with a healing spring.
The hill of Mount Cavalier, once an oppidum, served as the birthplace of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The name itself holds clues to the city's origin, reflecting Celtic roots and connection with the local god, Nemausus, associated with a healing spring.
The hill of Mount Cavalier, once an oppidum, served as the birthplace of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles