History: Begun in 1434, Nantes' cathedral was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The cathedral wasn't finished until the end of the 19th century, but it remained amazingly architecturally harmonious.

After a 1972 fire destroyed the roof, the interior was restored.

What to See: Two square towers dominate the austere façade, which contrasts with the light, wide, limestone interior. The large, airy interior is an impressive 100m (335-ft.) long with 120-foot high vaults (higher than the Notre-Dame in Paris). The whiteness of the walls and the rich colors of the stained-glass windows make for a striking contrast.

Nantes Cathedral's most notable treasure is Michel Colomb's Renaissance tomb of François II, Duke of Brittany, and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Gen. Juchault de Lamoricière, a Nantes native and a great African campaigner; sculptor Paul Dubois completed the tomb in 1879.

The cathedral's crypt, dating from the 11th century, shelters a museum of religions.

More about Nantes Cathedral from Sacred Destinations.

Written by  Martin Gray.

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