Périgueux




The trip by bus from Sarlat to Périgueux over a mountain range and through the verdant countryside and lush woodland of Périgord Vert was most enjoyable. Périgueux is the capital of the Dordogne region and I shall look forward to exploring this attractive market town. Today I took the opportunity to visit the town's 13th church, the Cathédrale Ste Front, dedicated to St Front, who evangelized the Périgord district. The Cathedral is an important stage on the Way of St James for pilgrims following the routes of Santiago de Compostela. With its domes and cones it is one of the most distinctive Byzantine churches in France and was modelled on the San Marco church in Venice. Tje bells of St Front were added in 1847 and are made up of 7 peals of bells and 10 fixed bells. A fascinating sight inside was the beautifully carved Baroque reredos, a large decorative altarpiece behind the altar. It depicted the empty tomb of Mary at its base. Half way up it showed the Virgin ascending up to Heaven in corporeal form while at the top the Son of God, flanked by two angels, is waiting to place a crown on his Mother's head. The symbolism of this reredos is to demonstrate that the Mother of Jesus is also our mother. Quite appropriate for the approaching Fête des Mères!

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