Cathédrale St-Jean

Perpignan


Perpignan’s old town has several intriguing churches, but the most impressive is the Cathédrale St-Jean, begun in 1324 and not completed until 1509. Topped by a Provençal wrought-iron bell cage, the cathedral has a flat façade of red brick and smooth, zigzagging river stones.

Inside, the fine carving and ornate altarpiece are characteristically Catalan, and the simple statue of the Virgin and child in the north aisle is a venerated relic. Adjacent to the cathedral is a lovely cloister.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Perpignan attractions

1. La Loge de Mer

0.1 MILES

The 14th-century La Loge de Mer, rebuilt during the Renaissance, was once Perpignan’s stock exchange, then its maritime tribunal.

2. Place de la Loge

0.12 MILES

Three fine stone structures flank place de la Loge. The 14th-century La Loge de Mer was rebuilt during the Renaissance; it was once Perpignan’s stock…

3. Hôtel de Ville

0.12 MILES

The Hôtel de Ville has a typically Roussillon pebbled façade of river stones.

4. Le Castillet & Musée Casa Païral

0.14 MILES

Like many medieval towns, Perpignan was once encircled by defensive walls. Today all that remains is the red-brick town gate of Le Castillet, at the…

5. Musée d'Art Hyacinthe Rigaud

0.25 MILES

Occupying two elegant hôtels particuliers (private mansions) right in the historical centre, this museum was entirely renovated in 2017 and now ranks as…

6. Palais des Rois de Majorque

0.47 MILES

Perpignan’s most dominant monument, the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca sprawls over a huge area to the south of the old town. Built in 1276, the castle…

7. Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel

10.88 MILES

The cave-riddled cliffs above Tautavel, 34km northwest of Perpignan along the D117, have yielded a host of prehistoric finds, most notably a human skull…

8. Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt

14.04 MILES

These rock formations must be one of the most striking geological wonders in Occitanie, though they have remained well under the tourist radar. They…

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