Béziers is a historic city, famous in history for the Albigensi massacre by French troops in the early 13th century. There are many medieval monuments, including valuable churches.
In the place of today's Béziers, settlement already existed in Roman times. After the fall of the Empire, the center revived and played an important role on the trade route between Provence and Spain. In the 12th century, it became one of the main centers of Albigenses, also known as Cathars, followers of the dualistic version of Christianity, recognized by the church as heretics. At the behest of Pope Innocent III, in 1209, the French army slaughtered over 20,000. city residents, regardless of their religion. The local churches and houses were also looted by the crusaders.
The oldest part of the city, dating back to the Middle Ages, is located on a hill. You can get to it, among others across the 12th century stone bridge. It is home to the most important monument and attraction of Béziers, the Gothic cathedral of St-Nazaire with a huge rose window in the facade. Among other valuable monuments in this part of the city are the Romanesque Basilica of St. Aphrodisian, Church of St. Magdalene from the 15th century and the remains of the city walls.
