ABBAYE-CATHÉDRALE DE SAINT-PAPOUL

Saint-Papoul Abbey-Cathedral in the east of the Lauragais area, stands apart from the village. This formerly fortified market-town has managed to preserve its medieval atmosphere in its back streets, studded with half-timbered houses. For five centuries this Benedictine abbey was the seat of a bishopric and is closely linked with the figure of Saint-Papoul, who probably suffered martyrdom in the area. It has a remarkable 14th-century cloister and possesses the largest number of Romanesque sculptures by the Master of Cabestany in the Aude region.