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Bayeux Cathedral facts for kids

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Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux
P1240007 Bayeux cathedrale ND rwk.jpg
Bayeux Cathedral
Religion
Affiliation Roman Catholic Church
District Diocese of Bayeux and Lisieux
Rite Roman
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Cathedral
Location
Location Bayeux, France France
Architecture
Architectural type Church
Architectural style Norman-Romanesque, Gothic
Height (max) 76.6
Bayeux Tapestry scene23 Harold sacramentum fecit Willelmo duci
This part of the Bayeux Tapestry shows Harold making an oath to Duke William. This important event likely happened in Bayeux Cathedral before the Norman Conquest.

The Bayeux Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux (in French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux), is a large Roman Catholic church. You can find it in the town of Bayeux in Normandy, France.

This amazing building is a national monument. It is the main church for the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux. Many people believe it was the first home of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which is now kept nearby. The cathedral shows off both Norman and Romanesque building styles.

The place where the cathedral stands is very old. Long ago, Roman temples were built there. The current cathedral was officially opened on July 14, 1077. William, Duke of Normandy, was there for the ceremony. It's thought that William might have made Harold Godwinson promise to support him right here. When Harold broke this promise, it led to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

What is Bayeux Cathedral like?

After the cathedral was badly damaged in the 1100s, it was rebuilt in a different style. This new style is called Gothic. You can see this most clearly in the central tower, the side sections (called transepts), and the back part of the church.

Even though work on the central tower began in the 1400s, it wasn't fully finished until the 1800s. This means the cathedral has a mix of very old and newer parts.

Pictures of the Cathedral

The Bayeux Tapestry

The entire Bayeux Tapestry
The entire Bayeux Tapestry. You can see individual scenes at Bayeux Tapestry tituli. (Swipe left or right to see more.)

The Bayeux Tapestry is a very famous embroidered cloth. It tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This amazing piece of history was likely kept at Bayeux Cathedral for many years before it moved to its current museum.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Catedral de Bayeux para niños

  • Roman Catholic Marian churches
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