Saint-Antonin Cathedral

A must-see for your visit to Pamiers!
Built in the 12th century at the foot of the now-destroyed castle, the church of St-Jean Baptiste and St-Jean l'Evangéliste, which became Notre Dame du Mercadal in the 15th century, was the town's first church, and all that remains of the 12th-century building is the Romanesque portal adorned with capitals depicting biblical scenes. In the 14th century, the Mercadal church was enlarged. The superb bell tower, inspired by the Jacobin bell tower in Toulouse, was built at this time. The Hundred Years' War, the Navarre War of Succession and local conflicts led to the looting and destruction of the cathedral. Reconstruction work began around 1662, but was halted due to a lack of funds. It resumed in 1685. The church was consecrated on 9 January 1689. The single nave building is simple and majestic. The interior woodwork, paintings and silverware give it a prestigious character. In 1777, the church was fitted with a large organ from the Daurade church in Toulouse, housed in a remarkable 18th-century case that has been listed as a Monument Historique. Major work was carried out on the bell tower and roof between 1833 and 1875. Saint-Antonin Cathedral was listed as a Historic Monument on 9 August 1906.