IX St. Pierre D’Alet
In St. Pierre d’Alet was a former cathedral of a very early date; perhaps as early as the ninth century, though the edifice was entirely rebuilt in the eleventh. To-day, even this structure—which is not to be wondered at—is in ruins.
There was an ancient abbey here in the ninth century, but the bishopric was not founded until 1318, and was suppressed in 1790.
The most notable feature of this ancient church is the wall which surrounds or forms the apside. This quintupled pan is separated by four great pillars, in imitation of the Corinthian order; though for that matter they may as well be referred to as genuine antiques—which they probably are—and be done with it.
The capitals and the cornice which surmounts them are richly ornamented with sculptured foliage, and, so far as it goes, the whole effect is one of liberality and luxury of treatment.
Immediately beside the ruins of this old-time cathedral is the Église St. André of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.