The monument
Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral built in the 15th century is one of the heritage symbols of the city of Nantes
The cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul is the fruit of a perpetual reconstruction since the fifteenth century, to the rhythm of the historical context.
While the great impetus for the reconstruction of cathedrals ran out of steam in the 14th century, following wars and plague epidemics, the Duke of Brittany and the Bishop of Nantes undertook the construction of a new grandiose building in order to promote the episcopal see of the capital of the Breton duchy. The work begins with the western massif, the most spectacular and visible part of the building.
With an original plan, it consists of a nave served by three western portals and two lateral portals on the facades in return. At the end of medieval times, the nave remains unfinished. The construction of its vaults and the south arm of the transept began in 1640, in the continuity of the flamboyant Gothic style. The 11th century Romanesque choir, around which the Gothic cathedral gradually rises, still remains.
Following the revolutionary degradation of the statuary and unfortunate works, the cathedral arrived in poor condition in the 19th century. However, the tomb of François II and Marguerite de Foix - a masterpiece of French sculpture commissioned by Anne de Bretagne at the beginning of the 16th century - was installed there in 1817, coming from the nearby Carmelite convent and saved from destruction. Finally, from 1840 to 1891, a campaign of colossal works completes the construction with a neo-gothic unification in the style of the fifteenth century: the apse has five radiant chapels, the 11th century choir is destroyed and replaced by a neo-gothic choir while the Romanesque remains of the crypt are restored and enhanced.
The construction site now has a permanent restoration site. In 1944, the cathedral was hit by shelling that destroyed the two southern chapels and the sacristy. A long period of work followed, until the terrible fire of 28 January 1972. The 16th century structure, partly in smoke, was then replaced by a concrete structure. Services were held in the choir in 1975, but it was not until 1991 that the cathedral was completely reopened to the public.
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