Saint Jean Baptiste Cathedral

Saint Jean-Baptiste’s Cathedral was classified as a historic monument in 1906. The building you see today dates mainly from the 19th century but its northern portal is from the 12th century and its apse dates from the 15th century.
Historically Belley was the capital and ecclesiastical centre of Bugey. There has been a cathedral in the town since the year 722. The first major rebuilding project of the cathedral took place during the 12th century. This was followed in 1440 by the total reconstruction of the building which only left the northern doorway from the 12th century design intact. The cathedral was extensively damaged during the French Revolution when all of its relics were destroyed along with its bells. Worse was to follow in 1822 when an earthquake inflicted even more damage on building. After this near catastrophic event the Bishop of Belley decided to once again rebuild the cathedral. Architect Antoine Chenavard designed a building in the gothic style, work commenced in 1835 and finished in 1851. This impressive building can be viewed today and houses several works of religious art including a statue of the Virgin Mary by Joseph Chinard.