Begun in 1150 and completed at the end of the century, the St Mammès Cathedral was the centre of a vast diocese situated between the Champagne and Burgundy regions.
It was to be the last major building in the lineage of the Romanesque abbey of Cluny, which was built at the end of the 11th century. Situated at the crossroad of different artistic influences, the Cathedral combines with great harmony a Romanesque style of decoration and concept of volume with early gothic innovations. The construction of the vault on intersecting ribs, a first in the region, allowed the nave to have a greater width and superior lighting than in other Clunian buildings.
Rebuilt in 1768, the imposing neo-classic facade is made up of two towers framing a forward central body superimposed by a pediment. Two monumental statues representing the Synagogue (on the left) and the Church (to the right) extend the pediment. The three levels are articulated by either columns or pilasters of the respective orders, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. During the revolution certain features of the decor had their initial meaning changed. Thus, above the north door (to the left), the mitre and bishop's cross have been transformed respectively into a Phrygian cap (headgear typical of the Revolution), and a lictor's (officer to a roman consul) weapon.
Summer entertainment: organ recitals, 6th July to 24st August, Sunday at 5pm, organised by the Friends of the Organ Association - No charge .

Anecdotally :