Vannes Cathedral

Vannes, France

The first Vannes Cathedral was erected around 1020 in Romanesque style. The tower is only structure left from it and accommodates the four bells of the church. The present Gothic building was erected on the site of the former cathedral. Its construction extends from the 15th to the 19th centuries, or if the length of the existence of the 13th century Romanesque bell tower is included, a total of seven centuries of construction. In this period the nave and the ornate gateway at the northern end of the north transept – whose twelve niches, according to Breton custom, were supposed to accommodate the Apostles – were built high. The northern tower is the main remnant of the former Romanesque building, while the vaults and the choir were built between 1771 and 1774.

The façade was carved in 1857 in a neo-Gothic style. Outside, in front of the central pillar of the large gate, stands a statue of the Dominican monk St. Vincent Ferrer, from Valencia. His activities in the 15th century greatly influenced Christianity in Vannes. The northern façade opens onto the garden of the cloister (ruins from the 16th century) and the Rue des chanoines ('Street of the Canons') through the beautiful portal at the top of the north transept, built in a Flamboyant late Gothic style (1514), and decorated with twelve niches designed to house statues of the twelve apostles. The cross, visible close to the northern façade, dates back to the 15th century and was brought from the cemetery.

During the Middle Ages, the floor of the cathedral had been covered by tombstones. For hygienic reasons, only the tradition of burying the bishops in their episcopal church has been preserved. However, some tombstones have been returned and can be seen today. The cathedral has only retained tombs dating back to the 17th century. Two bishops' tombs can be found in the crypt under the choir.

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Address

Rue Saint-Guenhaël 17-31, Vannes, France
See all sites in Vannes

Details

Founded: c. 1020
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

cathedrale-vannes.cef.fr
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Chris ling (7 months ago)
So historical
Jaimie Hillier (10 months ago)
The architecture is quite breathtaking considering its q3th century. Very little time used except on the great organ. The marble used for the statues must be worth a small fortune these days. Very serine place & remarkable cool temperature wise. Visit on a Sunday.
Rory Alsop (12 months ago)
Beautiful
Michel Budd (16 months ago)
Medieval Vannes with its gabled houses and magnificent cathedral (got married there in 97)
Misty Scarlet (2 years ago)
I really love to visit the place because i wanted to visit the tomb of st. Vincent ferrer.
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