Visit the Cathedral of Albi: tickets, prices, times

On a trip to Albi? So it is impossible to miss the first attraction of the city, the Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile d’Albi!

Albi is a city in the department of Tarn with a human size. It is nicknamed the red city because of its painful past with the cathars and its Saint-Cécile cathedral, the largest brick cathedral in the world. Created in Antiquity, this episcopal cathedral has more castle looks than high religious place. It is only once inside that one can grasp the extent of the place. An impressive collection of sculptures, paintings in a perfect South Gothic style.

Discover in this article everything you need to know to visit the Cathedral of Albi Sainte-Cécile.

History of the Cathedral of Albi

The firstfruits of its history date back to the fourth century. Its construction takes more than two centuries, between the 13th and 14th century. At that time, the architectural choice of religious buildings is naturally directed towards a Gothic style. Yet it will be different for the Cathedral of Albi. This is why the South Gothic style was preferred for the building. Affirming the conflict between religion and politics of the time. Indeed, for a long time the city of Albi has been rebellious to Catholicism.

First of all, the cathedral is more like a castle than a place of worship. That is why it is precisely nicknamed the Fortress of God. This is the will of Bernard de Castanet to reaffirm the power of the Catholic faith that led to the choice of curves and materials used to build St.Cécile. Its austere exterior aspect actually conceals a religious jewel, among the most visited in France.

Our tips to visit the Cathedral of Albi

In order to fully enjoy the place, it is better come by week to visit the Cathedral of Albi. Affluence is more important in the weekend. If you can, prefer a visit in the morning in order to be able to more lengthy on the details inside the cathedral.

It is preferable to for at least one hour to visit her. Also, once you have returned, there is no obligation, you can stay as long as you wish.

If you want to attend a mass in the cathedral you have to come from Monday to Friday 6.30 p.m. , or on Thursday and Friday with Mass also at 9h . The weekend, the Masses are given in the morning to 9h Saturday and to 11h and 6 p.m. Sunday.

Finally, the Cathedral of Albi provides for visits with audioguide . Admission is free for persons with disabilities and for persons under the age of 14.

What to do during your visit to the Cathedral of Albi?

The interior decoration of Albi Cathedral contrasts with its exterior lines. Here it is like a representation of the Bible of nature greatness. All these decorations were created in the Renaissance on the request of Louis I of Ambroise. In other words, they are not of origin.

Here’s all you need to enjoy if you come to visit the Cathedral of Albi:

The main nave

The majestic scenery of the main nave of Sainte-Cécile is unique. With more than 100 meters long, it impresses by its dimension. We find the South Gothic style desired by Bishop Bernard de Castanet in the 13th century. Everything is disappointed inside the nave. The choir, the frescoes, the parvis or the murals testify to this imposing Catholic grandeur and religious power in the face of Cathar heresy.

The fresco of last judgment

What is striking inside the cathedral is the dominance of this deep blue with intact gilding. Whether you are believers or not, you cannot remain insensitive to so much art, attention to detail and finesse.

A representation of the last judgment thrones in foolish grandeurs at the bottom of the nave under the organ. It's all in her little details. The representation of paradise with angels on the left, and the representation of hell on the right. The seven hells represented on the canvas represent the seven capital sins.

The Gothic Jube

It is the other jewel of the cathedral. The Gothic Judaea of the Cathedral of Albi is considered the most beautiful in France. Each detail carved with finesse reminds of the stone lace. It can make shadow to the choir, yet sublime, but more sober.

We remain subjugated by the conservation of each detail, as remained frozen throughout the centuries. This rostrum that historically served as a fence to separate the liturgical choir from the nave to isolate the clerics of the faithful is a survivor. Indeed, most French churches and cathedrals have destroyed this part.

The organ

He's been redesigned several times through the ages. It is one of the largest organ in France in the traditional style. It was built in just three years with its 3,549 pipes made of whale fanfare that make it unique. It took no less than eight people to operate the blastery.

Good to know: Free concerts are organized in summer every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon.

The treasure room

This is the strong room. Here, the former treasure and archives room welcomes objects and precious effects of the 14th and 19th century. This room also exposes from June to September another treasure, that of the Mappa Mundi , which is one of the two oldest known representations of the world as it was seen in the 8th century.

This unique medieval map in the world is listed in the UNESCO World Memory Register.

How much does a ticket cost to the Cathedral of Albi?

There are several rates to visit the Cathedral of Albi Sainte-Cécile. Here are the official prices for the visit according to the selected options and combinations:

• Individual tour with audioguide included in nine languages 5€ per person for Great Choir alone;
• Individual tour with audioguide included in nine languages 2€ per person for treasure room;
• But also the individual visit with audioguide included in nine languages to 6€ per person for Grand Choir and treasure room;
• Free access for the parish choir with marked circuit;
• Des group visits can be planned from four to 4€ per person for the Great Choir alone and 1€ per person for the treasure room.

How to book an online ticket for the Cathedral of Albi?

It is not mandatory to book your online ticket to visit the Cathedral of Albi. However, it is possible to obtain the Albi City Pass. Thanks to the latter, you get a line ticket for the entrance to the Cathedral of Albi all options.

Are there guided tours of the Cathedral of Albi?

You can choose to make a guided tour of the Cathedral of St.Cécile. You can book a lecture guide for two hours of visit for a group minimum 9 persons .

Then, when buying your ticket, a audioguide is automatically included in the entry ticket.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Albi?

Thanks to the Albi City Pass, you will be able to combine the visit of the Cathedral of Albi with another museum in the city. The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum is part of the cultural combination in the pass. As a result, you access both monuments with a line ticket.

If you choose the option to visit with a tour guide for a two-hour visit for a minimum of nine people, the Cathedral and Historic Centre combination of Albi or Toulouse-Lautrec Cathedral and Museum is possible.

Opening hours

You can visit the Cathedral of Albi daily de 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and up to 5.30 p.m. to have an audioguide.

♪ July and August , the museum opens until 9pm .

The Sunday morning , the visit is possible but without audioguide. It will be possible to have it starting at 1:30 Once the mass is over.

How to get to the Cathedral of Albi?

You will find this imposing monument on the 5 Sibille boulevards 81,000 Albi. It’s very easy to find your way from the city centre. Otherwise, you can go by public transport:

• By bus, by borrowing the lineA1, E, F or M since Albi;
• On footfrom the city centre to the north of the city. Pass the Ort square in Salvy towards the tourist office. The cathedral is only a few steps away and you should not miss it.

Where to park near the Cathedral of Albi?

If you come to visit the Cathedral of Albi with your own vehicle, you can park in one of the car parks close to the cathedral. The closest is the Q-park covered market 54 rue Émile Grand. Other option, go to parking Bondibou boulevard Général Sibille.

Where to stay near the Cathedral of Albi?

The Cathedral of Albi is easily accessible from the city centre. To stay on site, you are particularly recommended Historic Centre where you will find many hotels.

Another charming place in the city of Albi is the district of Bout du Pont or Vigan . The latter has many establishments to refresh and restore! For more information, you can also take a look at our article: In which quarter house in Albi? .