Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Cathedral of Saint-Caprais d'Agen, located in the Lot-et-Garonne department, has its origins in the 12th century, although a basilica dedicated to Saint Caprais, martyred in 303, already existed in the 5th or 6th century according to Grégoire de Tours. It was built on the site of an ancient episcopal basilica, sacked by the Normans in 853 and restored. Initially a collegiate cathedral, it became a cathedral in 1802 after the destruction of the former St. Stephen's Cathedral during the Revolution.

The cathedral presents a hybrid architecture, combining a Romanesque apse and a unique nave Gothic ship. Its bell tower, rebuilt in 1835 by Bishop Jean-Aimé de Levezou de Vezins, illustrates three Gothic styles (lancettes, radiant, flamboyant) in reverse chronological order. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1862 and integrated into UNESCO's World Heritage Site for its role on the roads of Compostela.

The murals and ceilings, made by Jean-Louis Bézard (price of Rome in 1829) between 1845 and 1869, celebrate the Agenese martyrs and biblical figures. The furniture, like the organs of Stoltz (1858) and Magen (1885), as well as the statues of Louis Rochet, is partially classified. The cathedral, shorter than expected due to financial constraints, remains a major religious and artistic symbol.

Saccagé during the Wars of Religion in 1561, transformed into a forage store in 1791, then restored, the cathedral embodies the historical upheavals of the region. Its decor is inspired by Sicilian churches, while its organs, among the largest in the department, now host a summer festival. The parish of Sainte-Foy, to which it belongs, has been entrusted to the Saint-Martin community since 2020.

Future

The Cathedral of Saint-Caprais is one of the 71 monuments as well as 7 portions of paths that have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998 under the official title of "Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle en France".

It was at the edge of one of the 4 classic tracks (Via Turonensis, Via Lemovicensis, Via Podiensis and Via Tolosana). The pilgrims therefore had to make a detour to visit it.

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