Cathédrale Ste-Marie

The Pyrenees


Overlooking a lush valley at the foot of the Pyrenees and sitting on the route to Santiago de Compostela, this striking cathedral has been an important pilgrimage site since medieval times and remains a key stop for pilgrims even today. Early construction of the building dates back to the 11th century with various expansions and redesigns over the ensuing five centuries. Highlights include the 67 intricately carved choir stalls, the atmospheric romanesque cloister, and the towering mausoleum of St-Bertrand and its 17th-century frescoes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Pyrenees attractions

1. Lugdunum Convenarum Archaeological Site

0.26 MILES

In an open field just outside the village centre, this small archaeological site has a few ruins from the town's glory days as Lugdunum Convenarum, a key…

2. Pic du Midi

22.64 MILES

If the Pyrenees has a mustn’t-miss view, it’s the one from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m). Once accessible only to mountaineers, since 1878 the Pic du…

3. Musèu dera Val D’Aran

25.16 MILES

Occupying a turreted, sparklingly refurbished old mansion, this interactive museum tells the tale of the Val d'Aran's history, from the first Bronze Age…

4. Glèisa de Sant Miquèu

25.19 MILES

The black-roofed spire of Gothic Sant Miquèu church dominates Vielha's skyline. Its architectural styles span six centuries, including a 12th-century font…

5. Esglèsia de Santa Maria

27.32 MILES

This 12th- to 13th-century Romanesque church, with its three-storey belfry and triple apse, stands proudly in the midst of Arties' flower-festooned houses.

6. Església de Sant Andrèu

27.71 MILES

Within the remarkably colourful frescoed walls of this 12th- and 13th-century church, gaze upon the haunting Romanesque form of the Crist de Salardú. This…

7. PyrenMuseu

27.73 MILES

The Refugi Rosta houses the entertaining private PyrenMuseu, which covers the history of tourism in Val d’Aran. Enter via the base of the old stone…