Toulouse Cathedrale Saint-Étienne

The Travel Pages visits Toulouse’s Cathedrale Saint-Etienne, or St Stephen’s Cathedral, the most important church in the city.

As the bishop’s seat, the cathedral is the most prestigious church in Toulouse, though it gets less attention than its rivals, possibly because its inharmonious architecture makes it harder to understand and appreciate.

History of the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne

It was built or remodelled in stages from the 11th to the 17th centuries, leaving a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The interior is oddly out of alignment due firstly to a lack of funds to complete the new church in the latter part of the 13th century, and to its subsequent connection to the old church several hundred years later.

Treasures in the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne

Still, there are treasures to be seen, including the beautifully carved walnut choir stalls, the bishop’s throne, the marble altar, and the 16th- and 17th-century tapestries. Their blue colour has survived well and comes from the woad dye which brought Toulouse so much wealth in that era.

The Oldest Fountain in Toulouse

In the square in front of the cathedral is the city’s oldest fountain. From here, you can wander through the medieval part of town, with its quiet neighbourhoods and squares. These include place Saintes-Scarbes in what was formerly the district of the nobility and is now full of antique shops and galleries.

The Oldest House in Toulouse

Peek into the open courtyards to see grand mansions such as Hôtel d’Ulmo (1530) on rue Ninau. On the corner of rue Croix Baragnon and rue des Arts you’ll find the oldest house in Toulouse, dating from the 14th century.