Fortress Cathedral
Albi is on the
 
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Called Albiga by the Romans, Albi was the center of the Albigensian Crusade (1208-1229), a struggle between the Albigenses (from Albiga, alias Cathar or Cathari) heresy and the Christian church.
Albi is on the
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The objective of the cathedral founders was to build a structure that would intimidate as a fortress – by any measure they were highly successful! It was constructed primarily of red brick – a material manufactured locally - perhaps to keep the money vested in local businesses. The bell tower is 225 feet high with the main structure covering an acre of real estate. Anyone looking up at the 110+ foot walls feels very insignificant (e.g. intimidated).
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The highlight of Saint Cécile was a visiting men’s vocal group from Russia performing some of their music. The acoustics in the chapel were excellent; listen for yourself.
