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Albi is a town or around 49,000 people in southern France. It is the préfecture of the Tarn département, and is located on the River Tarn, 50 miles north-east of Toulouse. Its inhabitants are called Albigensians (French: Albigeois/ Albigeoise(s)).

The first human settlement in Albi was in the Bronze Age. After the Roman conquest of Gaul in 51 BC, the town became "Civitas Albigensium", the territory of the "Albiga". Archaeological digs have not revealed any traces of Roman buildings, which seems to indicate that Albi was a modest Roman settlement.

In 1040, Albi went through a period of expansion with the construction of the Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) which still stands today. New areas were built on both sides of the river, indicating considerable urban growth. The city grew rich at this time, thanks to trade and commercial exchanges, and also to the tolls charged for using the Pont Vieux.

In 1208, the Pope and the French King joined forces to combat the Cathars, who had developed their own version of Christianity and were regarded as heretics by the dominant Roman Catholic faith. Repression was severe throughout the region and many thousands were killed or executed, often by being burnt at the stake. The area, until then virtually independent, was reduced to a parlous condition that enabled it to be annexed to the French Crown.

After the upheaval of the Albigensian crusade against the Cathars, the bishop Bernard de Castanet, completed work in the late 13th century on the Palais de la Berbie, a Bishops' Palace with the look of a fortress. He then ordered the building of the impressive cathedral of Sainte-Cécile starting in 1282.

From 1450 to 1560, Albi enjoyed a period of commercial prosperity largely due to the cultivation of "Isatis Tinctoria" commonly known as woad. The superb town houses of the Renaissance bear witness to the vast fortunes amassed by the pastel merchants.

Albi has managed to conserve its rich architectural heritage, which encapsulates the various periods of its history. A great deal of restoration work has been done in recent years to embellish and improve the old areas and to give them a new look. Brick reigns supreme in the old town.

Thanks to Wikipedea for the above information.

The panorama is a stitch of five photographs taken on a rather misty morning. Despite the weather conditions I think that the picture still gives a good idea of the old town of Albi strung out along the river Tarn between the two town bridges. I hope you agree.

Click on the image for a larger view.