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Church · Namur, Namur
Saint-Aubain Cathedral
Catedral de Namur, built from 1751 to 1767 by the Italian architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni, with a green dome visible from afar. The 13th-century tower is what remains of the previous collegiate church.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Saint-Aubain Cathedral
The Cathédrale Saint-Aubain is the seat of the diocese of Namur and stands on the square of the same name, in the western part of the center. The current building was erected between 1751 and 1767 by the Italian architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni, who also worked on the palace of Charles of Lorraine in Brussels. The works were overseen by Jean-Baptiste Chermanne.
The style mixes Baroque, Rococo and Classical, and many call it Neoclassical. The plan is shaped like a Latin cross, and over the crossing rises a hemispherical dome supported on an eight-bay drum. Inside, the dome and lantern reach about 70 metres high. Outside, the green of the dome serves as a landmark for people walking around the city.
Next to the façade stands the oldest tower, from the 13th century, which received a spire in 1648. It is what remains of the former 11th-century collegiate church and was incorporated into the new building.
The interior is bright, almost entirely white, with marble altars and 17th-century paintings by Jacques Nicolaï, a follower of Rubens, such as the Visitation and the Last Supper. The cathedral is recognized as an important heritage site of Wallonia.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About twenty to thirty minutes for the nave and chapels.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, outside mass times. On sunny days light streams through the high windows and brightens the white interior.
How to get there
It is on Place Saint-Aubain, on the west side of the historic center, about ten minutes on foot from the train station and five minutes from Place du Marché aux Légumes via Rue de l'Évêché or Rue du Collège.
Tip
Combine it with Église Saint-Loup, a few blocks away, to compare Jesuit Baroque with the cathedral's Classical style. Opposite the cathedral is the Palais provincial, the former bishops' palace. This is a functioning church: please respect services.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Aubain Cathedral
Who designed the Cathédrale Saint-Aubain?
The Italian architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni. Construction took place from 1751 to 1767.
Is the tower next to the cathedral from the same period?
No. The tower is from the 13th century and belonged to the previous collegiate church from the 11th century. It received its spire in 1648 and was retained when the new cathedral was built.