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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

St Peter's Cathedral in Condom, built in the 14th and 16th centuries, was the episcopal seat of the diocese of Condom from 1317 to 1790. Originally rebuilt after 1368 by Bishop Bernard Alamand, it was radically remodeled in the 16th century under the impulse of Jean Marre, who undertook a complete restoration after the collapse of the bell tower in 1507. Its architecture combines flamboyant Gothic elements, such as the Western portal adorned with the tetramorph and the Pantocrator Christ, and a 14th century bedside.

The cloister, adjacent to the building, was partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion but later restored. Inside, the 19th century jube and the stained glass windows of the choir, representing biblical scenes such as the Supper or Crucifixion, testify to its rich artistic heritage. The organ, built in 1836 by Auguste Phébade and modified over the centuries, was classified as historical monuments in 1972 for its instrumental part, and in 1974 for its buffet.

Ranked a historic monument in 1840, the cathedral escaped destruction in 1569 thanks to a £30,000 ransom paid by the inhabitants to save it from the Protestant troops of Montgomery. After the Revolution, it was sold as national property in 1796 before being bought by the city in 1861. Today, it also houses the city hall in its ancient episcopal buildings.

Its exterior architecture is distinguished by massive foothills, a dominant square tower, and a five-sided Gothic axial chapel, a vestige of medieval abbey. The golden vault keys and flamboyant filling bays highlight its membership in the Southern Gothic, while the furniture, including retables and paintings, is referenced in the Palissy base.

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