The Saint-Pierre Cathedral (Saint Peter) in Vannes was built on the ruins of a former cathedral that was built in the 11th century. The current Gothic style cathedral was started in 1450.
But there was a cathedral even before that, but it was burned down by the Vikings in 919.
The bell tower itself dates back to the previous cathedral which was built in the 11th century.
Once inside, you’ll notice that the church is well designed and attractive (but definitely not as glamorous as the Spanish or Italian ones).
Closer to the altar:
As usual in these large churches, there are several nooks and crannies. Unfortunately the baptism area is far too small to be used :
Several separate corridors can be found alongside the cathedral
Here are several areas you will see when visiting the cathedral
A bust statue in the Saint-Pierre cathedral in Vannes
The Danielo Rotonde at the Saint-Pierre cathedral in Vannes
Top of the Danielo Rotonde at the Saint-Pierre cathedral in VannesOrgan
The magnificent organ was built in 1884 replacing one from the 17th century. They however used the same outer shell of the previous organ.
Statues
As you’d expect from a Roman Catholic church, there are plenty of statues to be seen:
Statue at a confession booth in the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Vannes
Saint-Paul statue in the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Vannes, Brittany
Statues in the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Vannes, BrittanyChapels
Faithful to the Roman concept, there are 10 (2×5) chapels alongside the sides of the cathedral; Here are some of them:
One of 10 chapels in the Saint-Pierre cathedral in Vannes
1 of 10 chapels in the Saint Pierre cathedral in Vannes
Larger chapel in the Saint Pierre cathedral of Vannes, BrittanyStained Glass Windows
In contrast with several other cathedrals in France, this one survived WWII and its bombardements, and therefore its stained glass windows are mostly intact:
Stained glass at the Saint-Meriadec-and-Saint-Patern chapel (Patern was the 1st bishop here) at the Saint-Pierre cathedral of Vannes
Nave stained glass of the Saint-Pierre cathedral of Vannes
Stained glass window in the Saint-Pierre cathedral of Vannes
Several stained glass windows alongside the Saint-Pierre cathedral of VannesConclusion
If you are in Vannes, a visit to this cathedral is in order. It’s quite pretty (as French cathedrals go) and it untouched by WWII.
For more information about the cathedral and its services, please click here (in French only).
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