Highlights of Albi, Albi, France

Albi, in the southern France region of Occitanie, is hailed on the World Heritage list as a complete ensemble of urban development dating from the Middle Ages. The height of town’s prosperity and importance falls on the later part of the 13th century, when a powerful local bishop built Palais de la Berbie and commissioned the construction of St Cecilia Cathedral. Albi’s architecture of that and subsequent periods is remarkably well-preserved.

The construction of Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile was completed in the 15th century. It stakes a claim to being the largest brick building in the world. A quick search of the web suggests that the claim may be suspect, but it makes the cathedral no less stunning.

In fact, I think the cathedral is worth the visit to Albi all by itself. Its painted interior is among the most spectacular that I’ve seen on my travels. The audio guide narration states that the frescoes have so far required no restoration in the 500+ years, and while hard to believe, that fact certainly adds to the jaw-dropping impression. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).