Canonry of Saint-Bertrand de Comminges
Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges / S. Bertrandus / Saint-Just de Valcabrère
(Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne)
The site where the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges stands has its origins in the Roman town of Lugdunum Convenarum, which was Christianised around the 4th century and where a basilica was built. There is also mention of the existence of a bishopric there. It later became part of the Frankish Kingdom until 585 when the city was destroyed and lost its vitality, although bishops are known to have existed there.
Image of his mausoleum, in the cathedral
(Bertran de l’Isle, c. 1050-1123)
A person of noble origin, related to the counts of Toulouse, he soon left his military career and entered the canonry of the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Toulouse. In 1083 he was appointed bishop of Comminges and became the organiser of the diocese, which had been in decline since the destruction of the old city (585). He began the construction of a new cathedral in the highest part of the city, around which the new population developed. He organised the cathedral canonry, adopting the rule of Saint Augustine for the canons, endowing them with the corresponding monastic buildings. On his death, he was venerated locally as a saint, later the recognition was made official, and the old village adopted his name. His mausoleum is preserved inside the cathedral.
The basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère, which may have had funerary origins, was built next to this ancient city. This church is mentioned later, in the time of Bishop Bertrand of Comminges (1083-1123) and was probably the seat of a regular canonry; in fact, traces of a cloister and adjoining buildings have been found that would indicate this. It is possible that this canonry was transferred to the new cathedral promoted by Bertrand himself. Another historic figure linked to this cathedral was Bertrand de Got, also bishop of Comminges, who undertook the construction of the Gothic cathedral that was to replace Bertrand's. He later became pope under the name of Clement V (1305-1314).
Cathedral facade, with the tower
Tympanum of the portal
Portal capitals
Mausoleum of Saint Bertrand (15th century)
Tomb of Bishop Hugues de Castillon (14th century)
Engraving by Charles Mercereau (19th century)
Bibliothèque municipale de Toulouse
Engraving by Adrien Dauzats (19th century)
Collections de Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole
Engraving by Adrien Dauzats (19th century)
Collections de Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole
Photo by Xavier Parés (c. 1915)
Old postcard, private collection
Old postcard, private collection
Possibly the ancient cathedral
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The cathedral is located in the centre of the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges