Apt - 84400 - Saint Anne’s Cathedral

Saint Anne’s Cathedral

Apt en Provence - 84400

Amongst the many monuments in Apt, the most important stand out from the rest. At the very centre of these is Saint Anne’s Cathedral. A cathedral that is in fact no longer a cathedral. Apt lost its status as bishopric in 1801 and its cathedral became a basilica.

The building was constructed in the heart of the city, on the remains of the Roman forum. The lower crypt, which is still accessible, is a relic of antiquity. The upper crypt was laid out in Roman times so that the relics of Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, could be worshipped.

These same relics had apparently been miraculously discovered on this very spot at the beginning of the Middle Ages.

The building that we see today, including one of the oldest preserved sections (the Corpus Domini nave, at the south end) apparently dates from the 11th century and was added to and restored over the centuries. Certain areas are gothic, others are classical. This listed Historic Monument is currently being restored.