115 Perpignan, France, Cathedral of St John the Baptist, delayed for good reason

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Fourteenth century Gothic cathedral, dedicated to John the Baptist, well-known curtain-raiser act for Jesus Christ and known to Muslims as the prophet Yahya. John had a successful career as preacher and influencer, but eventually was beheaded, apparently for criticizing Royalty. Well after his death, some claimed he had been the long-awaited Messiah, but by far the majority voted for Jesus.

 Comes along with cloister. The building of the cathedral was delayed for a few decades because of the Black Death ! The church has eighteen chapels, lovely swirly marble floors, and Stations of the Cross which appear to be in beaten metal. There are also some ornate golden altarpieces. Finally, you can see an impressive group of statues of « Jesus being laid in the tomb » - about which I have no further information.















































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