VIII Cathédrale de Condom
The history of Condom as an ecclesiastical see is very brief.
It was established only in 1317, on an ancient abbey foundation, whose inception is unknown.
For three centuries only was it endowed with diocesan dignity. Its last titulaire was Bishop Bossuet.
The fine Gothic church, which was so short-lived as a cathedral, is more worthy of admiration than many grander and more ancient.
It dates from the early sixteenth century, and shows all the distinct marks of its era; but it is a most interesting church nevertheless, and is possessed of a fine unworldly cloister, which as much as many another—more famous or more magnificent—must have been conducive to inspired meditation.
The portal rises to a considerable height of elegance, but the façade is otherwise austere.
In the interior, a choir-screen in cut stone is the chief artistic treasure. The sacristy is a finely decorated and beautifully proportioned room.
In the choir is a series of red brick or terra-cotta stalls of poor design and of no artistic value whatever.
The ancient residence of the bishops is now the Hôtel de Ville, and is a good example of late Gothic domestic architecture. It is decidedly the architectural pièce de resistance of the town.