Bayeux Cathedral

Bayeux Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux), is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Bayeux in Normandy, France. A national monument, it is the seat of the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and was probably the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry, still preserved nearby. The cathedral is in the Norman-Romanesque architectural tradition.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux
Bayeux Cathedral
Religion
AffiliationRoman Catholic Church
DistrictDiocese of Bayeux and Lisieux
RiteRoman
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusCathedral
Location
LocationBayeux, France France
Geographic coordinates49°16′32″N 0°42′12″W
Architecture
TypeChurch
StyleNorman-Romanesque, Gothic
Height (max)76.6
UBI HAROLD SACRAMENTUM FECIT WILLELMO DUCI ('Where Harold made an oath to Duke William'). This scene, which is stated in the previous scene on the Tapestry to have taken place at Bagia (Bayeux, very likely in Bayeux Cathedral), shows Harold touching two altars with the enthroned Duke looking on, and is central to understanding the Norman Conquest of England. (from the Bayeux Tapestry)

The site is an ancient one and was once occupied by Roman sanctuaries. The present cathedral was consecrated on 14 July 1077 in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy. It was on this site that William may have forced Harold Godwinson to take an oath of support to him, the breaking of which led to the Norman Conquest of England – meaning that the oath must have been made before 1066.

Architecture

Following serious damage to the cathedral in the 12th century, the cathedral was rebuilt in Gothic style which is most notable in the crossing tower, transepts and east end. However, despite the crossing tower having been started in the 15th century, it was not completed until the 19th century.

  • View to the cathedral from the tourist office
    View to the cathedral from the tourist office
  • The Bayeux cathedral interior
    The Bayeux cathedral interior
  • Notre Dame de Bayeux crypt
    Notre Dame de Bayeux crypt
  • An interior view of the cathedral
    An interior view of the cathedral
  • A mural in the crypt
    A mural in the crypt
  • A mural in the crypt
    A mural in the crypt
  • Cathedral at night
    Cathedral at night
  • Gothic choir
    Gothic choir
  • Neo-classical high altar
    Neo-classical high altar
  • Chapels, south arm of transept
    Chapels, south arm of transept
  • Stained-glass window, south arm of transept
    Stained-glass window, south arm of transept
  • Stained-glass window, north arm of transept
    Stained-glass window, north arm of transept
  • Chapel window, south side of nave
    Chapel window, south side of nave
  • Nave from rear
    Nave from rear
  • West doors
    West doors

Bayeux Tapestry
The entire Bayeux Tapestry
The entire Bayeux Tapestry. Individual images of each scene are at Bayeux Tapestry tituli. (Swipe left or right.)

See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bayeux Cathedral.


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