The Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a Gothic structure begun in 1324 and not completed until the 17th century. The extended construction period is visible in the architecture, which shifts from the stocky early Gothic of the nave — wide, relatively low, with thick walls — to more elaborate later detailing in the choir and chapels. The exterior is built in the warm reddish-ochre local stone that gives much of central Perpignan its colour. The interior is dark and solid, with good stained glass in the choir and a collection of medieval religious objects in the side chapels. The treasury contains notable pieces including the Devôt Christ, an unusually gaunt crucifix dating to around 1307 — the elongated, emaciated figure is quite different from the standard depictions of the period, and it still draws pilgrims from across Catalonia.
The cathedral square sits just south of Le Castillet, in the pedestrianised centre of the old town, and is one of the busiest points in Perpignan during the day. The small Gothic chapel of Notre-Dame des Anges stands to the south; together they anchor the medieval centre. The cathedral itself is free to enter and tends to be quiet mid-morning; the afternoon brings school groups and visitors working through the old-town circuit. It does not require more than 30-40 minutes for most visitors, though the treasury deserves unhurried attention.