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Cathedral · Bayeux, Normandia
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux
Romanesque and Gothic cathedral consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror. For centuries it housed the Tapeçaria de Bayeux.
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 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Bayeux is the seat of the diocese of Bayeux and Lisieux and dominates the town center. The church was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror, duke of Normandia and king of England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
What remains of the Romanesque building are the crypt and parts of the nave and the towers of the façade. The rest was rebuilt in Norman Gothic from the 13th century, with a high, luminous choir. The central tower gained a copper dome in the 19th century.
The cathedral is part of a well-preserved episcopal complex and is a historic monument. For centuries it housed the Tapeçaria de Bayeux, displayed in the nave at some religious festivals.
Bayeux was one of the first towns liberated after D-Day, on June 7, 1944, and the historic center escaped the bombings. For that reason the streets around the cathedral preserve medieval houses and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.
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
From 30 to 45 minutes, including the crypt.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon. It's a functioning church, with visits limited during services; check the times before you go.
How to get there
It is in the center of Bayeux, about a 10–15 minute walk from Gare de Bayeux.
Tip
Go down to the Romanesque crypt, with frescoes of musician angels. Then walk along rue Saint-Martin and along the banks of the river Aure, where there are old mills.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux
Is the Tapeçaria de Bayeux in the cathedral?
No. It remained in the cathedral for centuries and since 1983 has had its own museum in the town.
Is there an entrance fee for the cathedral?
No. Guided visits to specific parts may have different rules.
Was Bayeux destroyed in World War II?
No. The town was liberated on 7 June 1944, shortly after D-Day, and the historic center remained largely intact.