Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Place Saint-Pierre, 44,000 Nantes, France
Description:
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes is the largest Gothic church in Brittany and one of the largest in France. In height, the Cathedral in Nantes is only 6 meters inferior to Notre Dame of Paris, and the height of the nave under the arches even surpasses it.
Peter and Paul Cathedral in Nantes is one of the last Gothic cathedrals in France. In the middle of the XV century, Nantes was part of the Duchy of Breton, which experienced a period of prosperity. This time was perfect for the construction of the cathedral.
Despite the fact that its construction was delayed and carried out for several centuries - from 1434 to 1891, the architecture of the cathedral is surprisingly harmonious. Two rectangular towers rise above the monumental austere facade, contrasting with the spacious and bright interior volume of the temple. The facade of the cathedral has several interesting features: an external pulpit for preaching to people gathered outside at the entrance to the cathedral, as well as five portals (two side and three central). The crypt of the cathedral, which dates back to the XI century, now houses the Museum of Religion.