They started building this cathedral in 1273 but it took years to complete. It wasn't completely finished until 1890, which must be one of the world's longest 'under constructions' ever.
The cathedral is the only one in the old province of Limousin to be built entirely in the Gothic style. The main entrance is through Porte St-Jean, which has carved wooden doors from the 16th century (constructed at the peak of the Flamboyant Gothic style).
Inside, the nave appears so harmonious it's hard to imagine that its construction took 6 centuries. The cathedral also contains some admirable bishops' tombs from the 14th to the 16th century.
Next to the cathedral in the Jardins de l'Evêch the old archbishops' palace is now the Musée Municipal.
The elegant 18th-century building has an outstanding collection of Limoges enamels from the 12th century, as well as some enamel paintings by Leonard limousin, who was born in 1505 in Limoges and went on to win world acclaim and the favor of four monarchs.
Limoges was also the birthplace of Renoir, and the museum displays several works by this world-class artist.
