Autun

About

Autun was founded by Roman Emperor Augustus as the ‘tribal capital’ for Rome’s long-time Celtic allies, the Aedui, and was a cultural cornerstone for much centuries, renowned for its rhetoric schools in Late Antiquity, and later, its high school, where Napoleon’s brothers were educated. Today, there are still plenty of reminders of Autun’s rich past. Visitors can still see the remains of the 20,000 seat amphitheatre, which was the largest in Roman Gaul, as well as the Temple of Janus, the imposing Gallo-Roman ramparts, and two of the city’s ancient gates. The 12th century Cathedral of Saint Lazarus is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture with some ornate Gothic flourishes. Inside, amongst the many precious artworks, was built along with a number of townhouses. Of particular note are the many masterful sculptures found throughout the cathedral, credited to Gislebertus (a rare instance where the medieval artist is known), particularly the massive tympanum depicting The Last Judgement.