On a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence, our guide brought us to a Roman forum that was built in the first century, but what makes this cathedral unique to others is the different art and architecture added as the centuries went on.
Since the rebuilding period between the 12th and 19th century, the cathedral highlights gothic, romanesque, and neo gothic elements. Due to the different types of architecture incorporated in this building, it is most highlighted through the two separate entrances. The older of the two entrances was a Romanesque entryway with columns and a bolted door. The second, and grandest of the two entrances was built later and has a gothic medieval architectural design.
As we entered inside, we could feel the history and significance of what was before us. There were many different styles of art and history that took us through the centuries that this cathedral has experienced. There were many areas that showed the original Roman roads that chariots passed through that had later been covered up by what the foundation is now. The appreciation for art and symmetry was very prevalent as we walked down the aisle towards the altar and on either side of us were massive pistachio colored organs. Our guide later informed us that while the aisle appeared to have two organs, only one of them was real. The Chancel Organ. The other was a hoax made solely for the purpose of symmetry in the cathedral.
The history surrounding this important French monument was enough for us to want to come back and explore on our own time where we took in the original stained glass windows and centuries of paintings depicting many religious and historical scenes.
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