Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

located at the highest point of the city

What is that big green roof that you see in the distance as soon as you arrive in Montauban ?

A good reason to reach the historic center, to discover its secrets.

A little history

The culminating point of the old center, here it is, monumental, perched atop the great steps. Its classical lines and the whiteness of its stones, stand out against the surrounding brick houses. The four imposing statues of the evangelists, cast their gaze upon you, from the top of the façade. The power vocation of the monument, is intact. Engulf yourself in the lair of this great lady with a charged soul.

From the entrance, the 4 original statues of the evangelists surprise you. The resonance is heavenly and the uncluttered light floods the immense space with a sober softness. The vast nef is bathed in clear light, which penetrates under the perfect arches of the tall windows.

©dominiqueviet Droits Réservés Montauban0259

For the curious

Open your eyes wide. Among the works preserved here, the most famous is Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’ painting, “The Vow of Louis XIII“.

In 1820 the painter, a native of Montauban, was commissioned by the state to create this imposing painting, intended to adorn the cathedral. The subject is not innocent: Louis XIII, an unhappy sovereign, forced to raise the siege before rebellious Montauban, is depicted here offering his kingdom to the Virgin. It took Ingres more than four years then, to complete this painting. And it was Ingres himself who installed it in the cathedral in 1826!

Did you know that?

It was in 1685, at the end of the Wars of Religion, that Louis XIV decided to have this gigantic cathedral built to assert his authority.

After a collection of funds, the location is chosen in 1691 on the Place des Monges. Several blocks of houses are razed to accommodate this new building, positioned on the highest point of the city. Long of 87 m and wide of 38m at the transept, the white Cathedral thrones eternally over the pink city.