THE STAIRS OF THE BIG STEPS

These stairs date back to the Middle Ages. Originally they were carved directly in the rock, as a means of access between the upper city, seat of the ecclesiastical power in the person of the Bishop, and the lower city, a place of commerce. The wooden niche containing a statue of the Virgin Mary marked the border between the jurisdiction of the lower city and that of the Cathedral chapter.

See also : At the top of the stairs, the ancient inscription on the forged iron ramp reading « au frais de Mr. Bousmard grand Prévôst, Claude Amil a faict ceste besogne. 1595 ». (« Paid for by the Grand Prevost Mr. Bousmard, Claude Amil carried out this work. 1595 ».)