The Saint-Lazare Cathedral of Autun is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in Burgundy, renowned for its sculptures and magnificent architectural details. Built in the 12th century, dedicated to Saint Lazarus, considered the first bishop of Autun, it was an important place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages, particularly because of the supposed presence of relics of Saint Lazarus.
The cathedral is particularly famous for its tympanum, sculpted by Gislebertus, a master Romanesque sculptor. This tympanum depicts the Last Judgement in striking detail (Christ in majesty, saved and damned souls, and a terrifying representation of demons), reflecting the importance of the religious themes of salvation and damnation in medieval art. This masterpiece is one of the most admired works of Romanesque sculpture.
Inside the cathedral, the capitals of the columns are decorated with biblical scenes and symbolic stories, also attributed to Gislebertus. These sculptures, of great finesse, tell stories taken from the Old and New Testaments.
The cathedral has barrel vaults, semicircular arches and Gothic elements that were added later, including the choir rebuilt in the 15th century. It thus embodies the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles in Burgundy.
Autun Cathedral deserves… no! Requires your visit.