Visit the Saint-Apollinaire cathedral of Valence : history and curiosities Atrium Hotel

Visit the Saint-Apollinaire cathedral of Valence : history and curiosities

Listed as a protected historical monument since 1862, the Saint-Apollinaire cathedral is the oldest monument in the city of Valence. In this article, discover this historical monument with a particular history.

Where is the Saint-Apollinaire cathedral located?

If you have decided to stay in Valence, the cathedral district is a must! Perfectly located, the district is at the extreme southwest of the old city, on the first terrace of the city overlooking the Rhone. This last one gathers many small restaurants where you will be able to restore yourself after your visit.

In the Middle Ages, the bell tower of the church served as a watchtower to monitor the surrounding countryside and the navigation on the Rhone. Next to the building is the bishop’s palace, or residence of the bishop, which underwent many transformations before becoming, in 1911, the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology of Valence.

What is the history of the Saint-Apollinaire de Valence cathedral?

The construction of the cathedral dates back to the 11th century, and it is the bishop Gontard who impelled the construction, in the historical district of the Old Valence. Its consecration was realized in August 1095, by the pope Urban II, under the name of 3 saints: Cyprian, Cornelius and Apollinaire. The dedication stone is still visible in the wall of the cathedral.

The cathedral underwent several transformations during the centuries that followed its construction. For example, the bell tower was replaced by a wooden spire in 1281, after it was struck by lightning. After being destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the cathedral was rebuilt in the 17th century.

Since 1862, the Saint-Apollinaire de Valence cathedral is classified as a historical monument.

The architecture of the cathedral

Located in the high part of the old city, the cathedral dominates the old ramparts and the edge of the Rhône. In front of the bell tower-porch is a small terrace, whose entrance is now unused. To the south, the cathedral is bordered by the Place des Ormeaux, and to the north is the Museum of Art and Archaeology of Valence. Entrance to the cathedral is through two places: a side door on the Place des Ormeaux or through a door on the small Place du Pendentif to the north.

Although the cathedral was almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century, it retains all the characteristics of a Romanesque architecture.

The Nave

Divided into seven bays, the nave is barrel-vaulted over double arches that rest on half-columns set against square pillars.

A tribune supports the organ at the western end of the building, and cross-vaulted side aisles are located on each side of the nave.

Transept

The transept consists of a choir and an ambulatory.

The choir is semicircular and follows the transept without an intermediate bay. Surrounded by cylindrical columns that support small raised arches, it is lit by three bays and topped by a barrel vault.

The choir is surrounded by an ambulatory, which reminds us that the cathedral was a stage on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

Organs

In 1392, there was already an organ in the cathedral. It was replaced in 1751, when the bishop of Valence at that time, Monseigneur Alexandre Milon de Mesme, ordered an organ with 45 stops.

Restored in 1813 and 1835, the organ was eventually dismantled during the renovation of the cathedral and replaced in 1898.

The door of the Misericorde of the Saint-Apollinaire cathedral

The Saint-Apollinaire cathedral of Valence, like many other religious sites, has a Door of Mercy. The latter is on the fringe of the Holy Doors, which are opened every 25 years. In fact, the Door of Mercy was established at the Cathedral of St. Apollinaire in Valence as a result of Pope Francis’ desire to see the current Jubilee of Mercy spread throughout the world. Thus, the Door of Mercy in the Cathedral of St. Apollinaire in Valence supports the Holy Doors in their role in the present Jubilee of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis.