Besançon Cathedral
Besançon Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Besançon) is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint John located in the city of Besançon, France. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Besançon.
| Besançon Cathedral Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Besançon | |
|---|---|
Besançon Cathedral | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Province | Archbishop of Besançon |
| Region | Doubs |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Besançon, France |
| Geographic coordinates | 47°14′1″N 6°1′50″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | church |
| Style | Romanesque |
| Groundbreaking | 11th century |
| Completed | 19th century |
The cathedral consists of a large nave between two aisles, and dates from the 11th to the 13th century. It has two facing apses, each with an altar. The lack of a transept and the facing apses parallel the designs of contemporary German cathedrals. The Romanesque arches date from the 13th century. It does not have a main doorway. The choir dates to the 18th century.
The cathedral is situated near the base of Mont Saint-Étienne, below the citadel. To the east of the cathedral is the 16th-century Porte Rivotte, with two round towers, and pedestrian walkways dating to the 19th century. To the west is the Porte Noire, a Roman triumphal arch of the 2nd century with extensive sculptural decoration.