The Cathedral of Saint Cecilia in Albi (Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi) was built in a distinctive Southern French Gothic style. The construction works started in 1287 and lasted for the next 200 years. The monumental building is most probably the largest brick building in the world. While the cathedral's stark exterior closely resembles a massive medieval military fortress flanked by a 78-meter-high blind bell tower, the interior completely contrasts it with extraordinarily rich Renaissance frescoes and historic religious artwork. The cathedral is widely celebrated for its large-scale depiction of the Last Judgment located beneath the organ. In 2010, the magnificent architectural landmark was formally designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
author: Boštjan Burger