Belley Cathedral
The Cathedral of Belley ( Cathédrale Saint -Jean de Belley ) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the french city of Belley, which was dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It is the cathedral of the Diocese of Belley - Ars and seat of the Bishop.
History
The existence of a diocese can be detected in Belley to the 5th century. The first mention of a cathedral dates from the year 722, when the cathedral a relic of St. John the Baptist received. This is a bone of his right hand.
In the twelfth century a Romanesque church was built, the nave was preserved until the 19th century. The chapels in the apse was rebuilt in Gothic style and completed in 1520.
During the French Revolution, the cathedral suffered greatly. She lost her relics and the two towers were destroyed. In addition, it was secularized. In 1822 the cathedral was also damaged by an earthquake. 1823 the episcopal resolution was restored. From 1835 to 1853 the Cathedral under the direction of Bishop Alexander Devic was almost completely rebuilt. The architect Antoine -Marie Chenavard from Lyon realized a building in neo-Gothic style. Here, as is the north portal at the north transept, which was formerly the main entrance of the Cathedral chapels of the apse were retained. The nave, the transept and the facade of the cathedral were renewed. The Cathedral was dedicated on July 2, 1878 by Bishop Marchal.
Building
The cathedral has three naves with four bays and has been extended by a transept and the choir with five bays. The handling of the apse has five chapels. Two other chapels open on both sides of the aisle. The entire building extends over a length of 78.40 meters, 32.10 meters wide and 17 meters above the nave and the transepts 9.50 meters high.
The organ was built in 1858-1860 by Aristide Cavaillé -Coll. The instrument was initially located on the ground floor behind the altar. In 1875 the organ was placed in the organ loft and extended. The instrument has 48 registers on three manuals and pedal today. The tracker action is electro-pneumatic.