Saint Apollinaire Cathedral

Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral is one of Valence's oldest monuments. It stands at the center of the cathedral quarter, adjacent to the ancient Paleo-Christian baptistery and the episcopal palace (now a museum) to the south.

Consecrated on August 5, 1095, by Pope Urban II, it was destroyed during the Wars of Religion and then rebuilt exactly as it was in the 17th century.
The cathedral has undergone numerous alterations. In the 18th century, Bishop Alexandre Milon de Mesme lavishly refurbished his church. He financed the grand organ and its case, a new marble altar, and adorned the walls with paintings by master artists.
A monument to Pope Pius VI, who died in Valence in 1799 while imprisoned by the Directory, was placed in the choir.
The old bell tower, which was in danger of collapsing after being struck by lightning, was replaced in the 19th century.
The cathedral was designated a historic monument in 1869.

© City of Valence Romans Agglomération, “City of Art and History” Program