Cathédrale Saint-Maurice de Vienne

In the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stands the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice in Vienne. As the former cathedral of the Archdiocese of Vienne, which existed until 1790, it played a central role as the most important cathedral in Southern France and the seat of the Primate of the Seven Ecclesiastical Provinces.

The cathedral's history dates back a long way, with earlier structures on the same site leaving no traces before the 10th century. A reconstruction took place between 1030 and 1070 under Archbishop Léger. The current building began around 1130 in the Romanesque style, as evidenced by parts of the nave. In the 13th century, the cathedral was expanded in the Gothic style, including the choir and other nave sections. Pope Innocent IV consecrated the edifice on April 20, 1251. The facade was completed in the 16th century, with the keystone set in 1529. The Huguenot Wars caused damage to windows and sculptures in 1562.