The heritage of Mende

THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF MENDE

Through the chaming narrow medieval alleys you'll discover a variety of architecture including half-timbered and timbered houses , oratories, small squares and the discreet charms of many old doors.

THE CATHEDRAL

Built from 1368 on the initiative of Pope Urban V, pope in Avignon and a native of Gevaudan,the cathedral of Notre Dame and Saint Privat was consecrated a century later.

The towers were built in the early sixteenth century.
The bell tower housed the "Non Pareille", a bell of exceptional diameter of which the clapper can still be seen inside the cathedral.
During the religious wars, the bell was destroyed along with part of the building. The Cathedral was rebuilt identically but but "without fuss or ornaments".
Inside you will find: Aubusson tapestries of the early eighteenth century representing scenes from the life of the virgin, beautiful woodwork of the seventeenth century (former rood screen and stalls of the canons), a black virgin of the twelfth century and the remarkable organ of the seventeenth century.

NOTRE DAME BRIDGE

Dating from the thirteenth century, the bridge was for centuries afterwards the only stone bridge in the city.

This charming site is also worth a visit for the superb roofing like overturned hulls of ships to be seen on either side of the bridge and found in large numbers in the upper valley of the Lot.

TOWN HALL

Mansion of the eighteenth century.
This is a classic building in the local fashion with its impressive slate roof.

On the first floor, in the marriage hall, hang some beautiful Aubusson tapestries representing the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes the general.

tapisseries-aubusson

APOTHECARY OF THE OLD HOSPITAL

The former hospital of the town of Mende built in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is now a residence for the elderly.

The pharmacy retains many objects of the nineteenth century and its furniture (all in walnut) recreates the atmosphere of our apothecaries of olden times.

OLD SYNAGOGUE AND FORMER CARMELITE CONVENT

These two houses, probably built by the same master builder, are among the oldest in Mende (XIII-XIV century).

Behind the Gothic porch are some surprising restored patios .

TOWER OF THE PENITENTS

Most apparent remnant of the ancient walls built in the twelfth century,
The tower of Auriac is best known as the Tower of the Penitents as it served as the chapel bell tower of the fraternity of White Penitents for several centuries.

It will soon be home to a museum of sacred art .