Limoges - Main Sights

Main Sights

• The Crypt of Saint Martial, 10th century, including the tomb of the bishop who evangelized the city It was discovered in the 1960s.
• Remains of the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, one of the largest in the ancient Gaul. It was covered with earth in the 1960s.
• The Gothic Limoges Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Limoges), begun in 1273 and finished only in 1888. It is noted for a fine rood loft built in 1534 and for the partly octagonal bell tower. The main artistic works are a Renaissance rood screen and the tomb of the bishop Jean de Langeac, with sculpted scenes of the Apocalypse.
• The Chapelle Saint-Aurélien (14th–17th centuries). It includes the relics of St. Aurelian, the second bishop of Limoges, and has medieval statues and Baroque works of art.
• The church of St-Pierre-du-Queyroix, begun in the 12th century
• Church of St-Michel-des-Lions, begun in 1364. It houses the relics of St. Martial and has stained-glass windows from the 15th–16th century. The most striking feature is the 65 m-high tower, with a spire surmounted by a big bronze ball.
• The bridges of Saint Martial (dating from the Roman era) and of St-Etienne (13th century).
• The Bishops' Palace (Palais de l'Évêché, 17th century). Of the original building, only a chapel remain. It is the seat of the Musée de l'Émail, with a large collection of old enamels.
• The modern Gare de Limoges Bénédictins, inaugurated in 1929.
• The Château de La Borie (17th century), at 4 km (2.5 mi) from the city. It is home to the Centre Culturel de Rencontre de La Borie et l'Ensemble Baroque de Limoges.
• The remains of the 12th century Castle of Chalucet, 10 km (6.2 mi) outside the city. During the Hundred Years' War it was a base of the bands of pillagers which ravaged the country.
• The city's botanical gardens include the Jardin botanique de l'Evêché and the Jardin botanique alpin "Daniella".
• Université de Limoges was founded at Limoges in 1968.