The cathedral has several historical points of interest:
It was
built on an ancient Roman road, the Via Aurelia,
built on top of a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo, and
the first church on the site was founded by Saint Maximinus of Aix, who arrived in Provence from Palestine with Mary Magdalene on a boat belonging to Lazarus.
For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aix_Cathedral
The façade features four statues by Jean Mone, made in 1512-1513.
The Gothic bell tower rises high overhead.
Interesting round windows.
Gated windows with well worn blocks.
I found this statement while researching the cathedral: "Aix Cathedral features prominently in the urban fantasy novel "Ysabel" by fantasy author Guy Gavriel Kay." I haven't read the book but just might give it a try.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aix_Cathedral
Such a beautiful town!
ReplyDelete