I came to Autun for the Cathedral, but guess what, they had great Roman ruins!
Built during the reign of Constantine, Porte d'Arroux was one of Augustodunum's four gates. Constructed entirely without mortar, it has four arches: two for vehicles and two for pedestrians.
Porte St. Andre
The Théâtre Romain designed to hold 16,000 people can be imagined 2,000 years later filled with cheering spectators.
Ok, now about the cathedral:
The city of Autun has one of the most important Romanesque churches which contains many relief sculptures
Cathedral St. Lazar was built in the 12th century to house the sacred relics of St. Lazarus. The Romanesque tympanum over the main doorway shows The Last Judgment carved from 1120 to 1130 by Gislebertus whose name is written beneath Jesus' right foot. However, now it is thought that Gislebertus might be the name of a duke who brought relics to the church which gave it credibility.
The cult of relics-bones of saints and other personal effects-grew during the time of the pilgrimages, from 1099, explaining the presence of Romanesque-period churches scattered throughout France.
The tops of the capitals are sculpted with the hands of a storyteller.
One of my favorites is "Annunciation to the Magi" depicting an angel appearing to the magi while the Kings sleep like crayons lined up in a box under a quilt.
One King's eyes pop open at the angel's touch who tries to get their attention by pointing to the star in the sky.
The Renaissance-style fountain next to the cathedral, Fontaine St. Lazarus, dates from the 16th century.
The whole town was charming and I could have stayed much longer...
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