Guided tour of the Cloister of the Cathedral of Puy-en-Velay
Are you familiar with the Cloister of the Cathedral of Puy, once occupied by canons? Nestled against the cathedral, this 12th century monument welcomes you all year round, and of course during the European Heritage Days on 17 and 18 September. This year, the National Monuments Centre offers free guided tours (reservations strongly recommended, free tours will not be possible), around the colorful galleries and in the Chapter Room. The visit allows you to discover in detail the finely sculpted capitals, sometimes enigmatic, a wrought iron grille from the 1200’s, a Byzantine fresco depicting the Crucifixion… In a word, a playful discovery of the forgotten history of the canons, in the heart of their old neighborhood!
A self-guided tour extends this guided tour: you will access the tunnels of the cloister, to discover the old tower St-Mayol, then the lower room of the building Mâchicoulis. In this former cellar, a documentary retraces the history of the cathedral complex, from the Roman temple to the last restorations: 2000 years of evolution for a complex site that has not yet revealed all its secrets… Last new since this summer: an exhibition dedicated to the geology of the cathedral district, the incredible construction sites of previous centuries, and those to come…
Exceptionally, the Treasury of Religious Art and its collection of embroidered ornaments will not be accessible, we thank you for your understanding. Good to know: the monument and the Treasury will be in free access on the 1st Sunday of the month, from November until May included.
To prepare your visit: Booking is strongly recommended (limited places), at 0471011596.
ACCESS FOR GUIDED TOURS only (duration 30 minutes approximately), Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September: Morning: departures at 9.45/ 10.30/ 11.15 Afternoon: departures at 14.00/ 14.45/ 15.30/ 16.00