Basilique Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse

The Basilique Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse de Carcassonne was formerly the cathedral of Carcassonne. In 1801 it was replaced by the present Carcassonne Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Carcassonne).

The present church is in origin a Romanesque of the 11th century, consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096. It was built on the site of a Carolingian cathedral, of which no traces now remain. The crypt too, despite its ancient appearance, dates from the new construction. The church was enlarged between 1269 and 1330 in the Gothic style then predominant in France, largely at the expense of the Bishop of Carcassonne, Pierre de Rochefort.

The exterior was largely renewed by Viollet-le-Duc, while the interior has largely remained the Gothic original.

6 Comments CherryPie on Jul 2nd 2012

6 Responses to “Architecture 100 :: 22 – Basilique Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse”

  1. james higham says:

    That window design is something else, is it not?

  2. Lisl says:

    Do you know anything about the style of the tiles on that circular building, Cherie? They are very pleasing

    • CherryPie says:

      With a little bit of help from Mr C who I knew would find the info quicker than me (he mentioned the tiles often whilst we were away).

      Mediterranean
      • The Mediterranean tile roof is a recognizable feature of a popular building style in the south and western United States. The roof is usually low-pitched and may even be flat or almost flat. Tiles are made of clay or simulated clay concrete and are usually red or terra cotta color. Some tile manufacturers make blue, green or varicolored clay tile for Mediterranean-style roofs, a more unusual choice. The tiles are barrel shaped and overlap. They are mortared together for a water- and wind-proof sealed roof. A clay tile roof can easily last for 100 years, if properly installed, and old clay tiles can be salvaged and reused for a beautiful, timeless Mediterranean look.

      http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com/mediterranean-clay-tiles.html To see the shape of the tile (taper)

  3. Is that a clock tower?!
    It looks more like a minaret from a mosque…