Rivers, Stone Fences, and the Brick Fortress

We took the train to Albi, an hour northeast of Toulouse. We passed miles and miles of one of my favorite fences, primarily green, some black, and even white. We crossed rivers and beautiful countryside.

The Journey to Albi

I am amazed at how much fencing contributes to our world. Though we passed a small section of vinyl-coated chain link, most of the fencing was what we sell as Prism Fence. It's super attractive.

The Grandeur of Sainte-Cecil d’Albi Cathedral

As we arrived in the city of Albi, the sight of the Sainte-Cecil d’Albi Cathedral left us in awe. This massive castle-like structure, the largest brick structure in the world, dating back to the 13th century, stood before us. It's also the largest painted cathedral in the world--five acres of paintings! The sheer size and all-brick construction were unlike anything I've ever seen. It's an experience that will forever be etched in my memory.

This massive structure took 200 years to build and is one of the world's most magnificent wonders.

The cathedral's “Treasury” is housed above the main floor, and access is only through a stone spiral staircase. Up and up, we wound to the two rooms of the Treasury, which contained magnificent paintings, icons, and gold treasures of the church.

The Beauty of Stone Fences

One of the cathedral's most captivating features is the white stone fence, a true stone lace that separates the choir from the nave. The intricacy of its details is so remarkable that it's hard to fathom how any human being could have carved it. For me, this unique architectural element is not just a testament to the craftsmanship of the time but a personal testament to the beauty and artistry of human hands.

So, my day was filled with fences inside and out. It was the first time I saw a carved stone fence. I failed to mention that when you stand outside this massive structure on the Tarn River, you can look over the river to the brick factories on the hill. This journey, with its myriad of fences and the grandeur of the cathedral, has left an indelible mark on my memory, and I hope it does the same for you.