Chapter reform 1090 (≈ 1090)
Launched by Bishop Géraud, triggering the reconstruction.
1119
Consecration of altars
Consecration of altars 1119 (≈ 1119)
By Pope Calixte II, major altar and St.
années 1140
Completion of work
Completion of work années 1140 (≈ 1140)
Northern gate finished, end of major construction sites.
30 novembre 2020
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 30 novembre 2020 (≈ 2020)
Comprehensive protection of buildings and floors.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, the buildings and the floors forming the canonial ensemble of Cahors, located place Jean-Jacques Chapou, rue du Maréchal Foch and rue de la Chantrerie, on plots Nos.116 and 413 of the CE section of the cadastre, as delimited and hashled in red on the plan annexed to the decree: classification by decree of 30 November 2020
Key figures
Géraud - Bishop of Cahors
Initiator of the reform of the chapter in 1090.
Calixte II - Pope (1119-1124)
Consecrate the altars in 1119.
Origin and history
The canonial ensemble of Cahors originated in the reform of the chapter initiated by Bishop Géraud in 1090. This reform marked the beginning of a vast reconstruction project, including the cathedral church and canonial buildings, carried out during the first half of the 12th century. The work was largely completed in the 1140s, as evidenced by the consecration of the major altar and altar of the Holy Ciffus by Pope Calixtus II in 1119, as well as the construction of the northern gate. This ambitious project reflected the spiritual and political importance of the diocese at that time.
The canonial district was set up south of the cathedral, while the bishopric developed to the north. Unlike the episcopal buildings, which were largely rebuilt or destroyed (especially in the 19th century), the canonial buildings surrounding the cloister survived until today. These constructions, classified as Historical Monument in 2020, illustrate the spatial and religious organization of a medieval cathedral chapter. Their preservation offers a rare testimony of Roman ecclesiastical architecture in southwestern France.
The canonial ensemble is inseparable from St. Stephen's Cathedral and other associated monuments, such as the ancient archdiacone, the presbytery or the provost tower. These elements formed a coherent complex, reflecting the power and influence of the cahorsin clergy in the Middle Ages. Their location, between the Place Jean-Jacques Chapou and the adjacent streets, emphasizes their integration into the medieval urban fabric, today partially preserved despite the subsequent transformations.
