Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours

The Cathedral of Saint-Gatien in Tours is one of the most remarkable buildings in the city. It was erected between 1170 and 1547 and classified as a historical monument in 1862.

Thanks to its very slow construction, the cathedral displays a very complete set of religious architecture: there are elements of the Romanesque style, others of the radiant and flamboyant Gothic style, and still others of the Renaissance style.

It is an essential stopover for pilgrims who take the paths of via Turonensis to get to Santiago de Compostela.

A first church was built around 338. At the latest in the 6th century, it burned down and was replaced by a new magnificent building, consecrated by Gregory of Tours 590.

In the early 12th century, a third, Romanesque bishop church was built, but burned down in 1166 already. Although it was restored, the quality of the construction and the stones used was so bad that at the beginning of the 13th century it was mostly demolished.

Thus, around 1220/1230, the construction of a new cathedral was begun, which was built over the previous buildings as a basilica. Around 1280, the choir and the apse were completed under the direction of Étienne de Mortagne, but already in 1267, the relics of St. Maurice and his companions were solemnly transferred to the church. In 1465 the construction was vaulted. The transept and the first two bays of the nave were built by Simon du Mans, the rest of the jays by Jean de Dammartin. The north and south tower were completed in 1509 and 1507, they are 70 meters high. Both conclude with an octagon surrounded by four corner posts with Renaissance helmets and lanterns. They were designed by the architect Pierre Valence.

The church dedicated to St. Gatianus has a long architectural history, dating back almost 1,700 years. The rosette in the south has a great play of colors and yet there is peace in the room. Even if you look in the high vault. Like a tent, it bulges.

The organ makes the house vibrate.

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathedrale_von_Tours