Ancient and Roman Era

Celtic and Roman Foundations: Lodève began as the capital of the Volcae Lutevani tribe before becoming the Roman settlement Luteva (also called Forum Neronis). It served as a strategic stop on the Via Domitia, linking Italy to Spain 1215.
Early Christianization: By the late 4th century, Lodève became an episcopal seat, with its first cathedral dedicated to Saint Genesius of Arles. The diocese played a key role in regional religious life until its suppression during the French Revolution 115.
Medieval Prosperity (5th–15th Centuries)

Monastic and Episcopal Power: The Cathedral of Saint-Fulcran (rebuilt in the 10th century by Bishop Fulcran) became a Gothic masterpiece, featuring a 57-meter bell tower and cloister. It was a pivotal stop on the Camino de Santiago via the Arles route 115.
Jewish Community: A flourishing medieval Jewish community existed until the 13th century, with a Rue des Juifs and a nearby grotto (Pons des Jésiaous) attesting to their presence 5.

Locals claim the 57-meter bell tower of Saint-Fulcran Cathedral has a mischievous quirk: during the annual Fête de la Saint-Fulcran, the bells occasionally toll backwards—a tradition dating to the 17th century when a tipsy bell-ringer allegedly mixed up his ropes. The "mistake" was deemed lucky after a sudden rainstorm saved the town’s vineyards that year. Today, visitors are told to make a wish if they hear the reverse chimes, though skeptics blame it on "very enthusiastic pigeons" nesting in the belfry

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