Aire Cathedral

The Cathedral of Aire ( Cathédrale Saint -Jean -Baptiste d' Aire ) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the french city of Aire -sur -l'Adour. It is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and was formerly seat of the bishop of Aire. After they lost this status during the French Revolution, it was in the reforms in the early 19th century episcopal diocese of Aire and Dax combined. In 1933 the bishopric was, however, moved to Dax. The cathedral has since adopted the status of a co-cathedral, making it next to the Cathedral of Dax, the second principal church of the diocese.

History

The cathedral was built in the 11th and 12th century and was altered between the 14th and 17th centuries several times. The current appearance of the cathedral therefore has various architectural styles. The apse and three yokes are still preserved from the 12th century. The massive front from the 13th century has a simple arched portal with a pointed arch and is increased by a tower with a slate roof. The present sacristy was originally a chapter house from the 14th century. The Gothic vaults are supported by central pillars that give the impression of palm trees. The nave has ogival vaults from the 14th century. The choir is flanked by four chapels overlooking the transept. The organ and the side altars are like the high altar, the floor and the rest of the decor from the late 18th century. In the course of extending the apse towards the Orangerie Park, a stone building from the 17th century, was used for temporary exhibition.

The cathedral has a length of 48 meters, in the nave a width of 8 meters and at the highest point of the arch has a height of 15 meters.

Pilgrimage

The Cathedral of Aire marked a milestone on the Via Podiensis, one of the pilgrimage routes on the way to the grave of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. It was listed by UNESCO in 1998 as part of the French pilgrimage routes in the list of world cultural heritage.