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Origin and history

The Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste d'Aire, located in the Landes, has its origins at the end of the 12th century, although its construction lasted until the 19th century. The archives of the bishopric, destroyed during the Wars of Religion, make its history partial. A bubble of Clement V in 1309 mentions his damage during the Franco-English conflicts. The choir, with woodwork in the 17th century by Bishop Jean-Louis de Fromentières, and the rotonde bedside, rebuilt in the 18th century, illustrate its major transformations.

Between 1860 and 1867, absidial chapels were modified and a second collateral was added to the north. An ambitious facade project, including towers and roses, never came into being. The interior paintings, made in the 1860s, as well as the stained glass windows laid by the Didron workshop, mark its 19th century decor. The cathedral, classified as a Historic Monument in 1906, preserves Romanesque elements such as carved capitals and a 14th century Gothic sacristy.

The cathedral served as an episcopal seat until 1802, when it joined the diocese of Bayonne. Today integrated into the Diocese of Aire and Dax, it houses an organ built between 1757 and 1759 by companions of Dom Bédos de Celles. Its architecture combines unique Romanesque nave, Gothic vaults and modern additions, reflecting its evolution throughout the centuries.

Located on Via Podiensis, a path to Santiago de Compostela, the cathedral attracts pilgrims and visitors. Its furniture heritage includes a polychrome marble master altar of the Mazzetti brothers (circa 1770) and 17th century stalls. The materials, ranging from medieval limestone to brick restorations, bear witness to the successive techniques used.

The interior decorations, absent before the 19th century except in the choir, were made by local artists such as Labedan. The murals, inspired by the Romanesque style, adorn vaults and nave. The cathedral, with its 48 metres in length and 15 metres in height under the vault, remains a symbol of the religious and architectural heritage of Gascon.

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