The first cathedral was built on the site around 450AD. There was a second cathedral in 946 and the First Crusade was preached in this building. The current Cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Assomption was started in 1246. The building is created out of black lava stone (Clermont Ferrand is situated just below the volcanoes of the Auvergne) and the tall towers and its position on top of a hill allow the building to be visible from a great distance.
Inside the building soars upwards, but I really didn’t do it credit, either with the photographs nor in time. There are frescoes, but my photographs are poor. In truth, my heart was captured by Notre Dame du Port (post to follow).
You may be interested in
Abelard – Interesting series with photographs and comments
Vidimus – An online magazine devoted to stained glass
The Mediaeval Stained Glass Achive – incredible resource
Historical information about the churches in Clermont Ferrand
The Volcanic Park of the Auvergne
I would love to hear from you!