The Cathédrale Sainte-Anne d'Apt stands as a Roman Catholic church in Apt, Provence, France. Formerly a cathedral, it once housed the seat of the Bishop of Apt until the French Revolution. Following the upheavals of that period, the Concordat of 1801 divided the diocese, merging it with those of Avignon and Digne. This change marked a significant shift in the region's religious structure.
The church holds great importance as the shrine of Saint Anne, containing her relics. It has evolved through various stages, reflecting the region's complex history. While it no longer serves as a cathedral, the Cathédrale Sainte-Anne d'Apt remains an important symbol of the town's religious heritage. Furthermore, its white marble statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a child is a key feature. Renowned sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni created this remarkable work, and it is notable as one of his later pieces. On 9 September 1877, Pope Pius IX granted a Pontifical decree of coronation to the statue. Monsigneur Louis Anne Dubreil, the Archbishop of Avignon, conducted the ceremony.
Today, the Cathédrale Sainte-Anne d'Apt is a designated national monument, attracting visitors and pilgrims alike. Its historical and artistic significance makes it a place of reflection and devotion. The church offers a glimpse into the evolution of France's religious institutions. Additionally, it continues to serve as a focal point for the cultural identity of the region. Its legacy persists, bridging the past and present, making it a cherished landmark in Provence.
Here’s how to reach Apt Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Anne d'Apt) in Apt, France, by air, rail, and bus:
By Air
Nearest Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), about 90 km from Apt.
Alternative Airport: Avignon-Provence Airport, 60 km away, with fewer direct international flights.
Transportation Options: From Marseille, you can rent a car for a quick 1.5-hour drive, or take a train or bus to Apt. Alternatively, from Avignon, buses or trains connect to Apt.
By Rail
Nearest Train Station: Cavaillon Station, about 20 km from Apt Cathedral. From Cavaillon, you can take a bus or taxi to the cathedral.
From Avignon: Take a TGV (high-speed) train to Avignon and connect to a local bus or train to Apt (about 30–40 minutes). From Paris: Board a TGV to Avignon, then transfer to a bus or train to reach Apt.
By Bus
Local Buses: Apt is served by regional buses from nearby cities like Cavaillon, Avignon, and Marseille. SNCF and Ligne Express services connect Apt with surrounding towns. You can check schedules for specific routes.
For detailed timetables, you can visit websites like SNCF for train services and Lignes Express for buses.
Map Location
Mass Schedule
Saturdayat 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 10 a.m., 10:30a.m.,11 a.m.
Open
Open hours today: 8:30 am - 6:00 pmToggle weekly schedule
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