The former Cathedral of St. John the Baptist of Alès, in the Gard, was the seat of a diocese from 1694 to 1801: it was a royal favor to encourage the fight against Protestantism, remained alive in the Cevennes.
The building dates mainly from the eighteenth century, built on the foundations of a Romanesque priory, itself erected in place of a Carolingian church and an ancient temple.
The bell tower in the shape of square tower still has elements of the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. A campanile wrought iron overcomes the now (XVIII).
The nave featuring ribbed vaults on is also inherited from the twelfth century. But the choir is surrounded by colonnades fluted Louis XVI style. Note also the dome above the crossing.
It was under the reign of Louis XV that was undertaken the expansion of the building became a cathedral.
An important and long restoration campaign was initiated in early 2000. Work began with the renovation of the dome and continued with the consolidation of the facades. The roofs and the bell tower and Romanesque bays were then renovated.
Began in January 2018 finally the restoration site within the old cathedral, including frescoes and paintings pasted conducted in 1876 by Cublet and Marinelli.
Currently closed, the building has reopened to the public end of 2019 or early 2020. It is currently visible from the outside.
Information +33 4 66 52 21 06 or +33 4 66 52 32 15.
