Saint-Étienne Cathedral — Agde

12th century · Black basalt · 35 m keep · Historic Monument 1840

Saint-Étienne Cathedral is one of the most remarkable Romanesque cathedrals in southern France. Built entirely from black basalt quarried from Mont Saint-Loup volcano, it was fortified in 1173 by Bishop Guillaume II. Its 35 m keep served as both bell tower and watchtower. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1840, it was the site of the Council of Agde in 506 AD.