Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit in Uzès visitor guide

Photo of Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit in Uzès

Visit Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit in Uzès, France

The Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit is an impressive cathedral in the town of Uzès, in the Gard department of Occitanie, in the south of France

Discover the Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit in Uzès

France This Way review: although it combines various different architectural styles, for historic reasons, the cathedral in Uzès is both attractive and interesting and merits a visit as you explore the town.

A cathedral was first built here around 1090, on the place where a Roman temple had previously stood.

This original cathedral suffered great damage during the crusades, then later during the Wars of Religion, and was finally destroyed in 1621. The only part of the original cathedral that we can see today is the belltower, called the Tour Fenestrelle, which is now two stories less than its original structure but still very impressive.

The cathedral was rebuilt in the middle of the 17th century. Although it is still referred to as a cathedral, at this time it lost its role as a cathedral because there was no longer a bishop of Uzès, and was simply a church for the town.

The facade of the cathedral was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century, in a style that is called neo-Roman but is also influenced by neo-classical architecture. As a result, the view from the front of the cathedral includes the 19th century facade, the 17th century church and tower visible to the left, and the 12th century tower on the right.

The cathedral dome is tiled with majolica tiles and can be seen from various places in the town.

The Tour Fenestrelle, so called because of the numerous arched windows inset in the tower, was also substantially rebuilt in the 17th century, but with care taken to preserve its original form.

With a design reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it is the only round belltower of this type in France. This tower contains three of the cathedral bells, with a fourth situated in the smaller tower on the left of the church.

Before going inside, turn and admire the view from the church terrace.

The inside of the cathedral is also unusual with two rows of balustrades built in stone along the sides of the principal nave and wrought iron staircases in the side naves. In places the original brightly painted ceiling of the church in gold and azure blue has been renovated, and very pretty.

Among the furnishings in the cathedral there are tombstones and other tributes to important personnages from the the religious history of the town, an imposing organ and various artworks including some noteworthy representations of the Stations of the Cross.

Attractions nearby

The town of Uzès is one of our favourite towns in France - see the Uzès guide for details.

To the south of Uzès you should visit the town of Nîmes, and the aqueduct at Pont du Gard is just a few kilometres from the town and one of the most impressive ancient monuments in France.

See more cathedrals in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Gard guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.

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Places to visit near Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit in Uzès

Uzès medieval garden and towers

The medieval garden and towers in Uzès are an interesting visit, with lovely views across the town

Uzès medieval garden and towers guide

Uzes

The medieval centre of Uzes is interesting to explore, then perhaps visit the extensive caves at nearby La Cocaliere

Uzes guide

Pont du Gard

The Pont-du-Gard is a 2000 year old Roman aquaduct, an extraordinary feat of engineering and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Europe

Pont du Gard guide

Castillon-du-Gard

Castillon-du-Gard is a small village with a charming medieval centre to explore

Castillon-du-Gard guide

Tour Magne in Nimes

Tour Magne is a Roman fortified tower in the Jardins de la Fontaine in Nimes

Tour Magne in Nimes guide

Lussan

Lussan is a pretty village of character in Languedoc-Roussillon with two ancient castles

Lussan guide

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gard

The French version of this page is at Cathedral of Saint-Theodorit in Uzès (Francais)