VILLE DE LOMBEZ

LOMBEZ , Gers – Cultural heritage

About

Lombez boats a rich historical heritage. Archaelogical remains found in the area testify its importance in Roman times. However the town was mainly developed in the ninth century around a Benedictine abbey: today a mill, a canal and a fishpond remain. In 1317, Pope John XXIIX elevated the abbey to the rank of bishopric and it will stay that way for 500 years.Sainte-Marie’s cathedral is an example of the southern gotic inspired by the Jacobins church in Toulouse. The cathedral also contains some remarkable works: a ironwork lead font (12th century), stained glass windows(16th century), stalls(17th century), ironwork by Pierre Bertin and an 18th century gallery organ.
The central streets are made up of half-timbered houses as well as pink brick dating back to the 18th century.
In 1800, Lombez became a sub-prefecture; a new period of prosperity began, with the building of the sub-prefecture adjoining the cathedral, the covered market built in 1830, the houses with gardens and pavilions buit on the then new boulevard des Pyrénées and the court house (currently the town hall)


Location