Saint-Maurice Cathedral

The impressive building standing before you is the Angers cathedral known as the Saint-Maurice cathedral. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it is a remarkable example of Angevin Gothic art, and is of course listed as a Historic Monument. Angevin Gothic, or Plantagenet Gothic, is a variant of the classical Gothic style characterised by its strongly curved vaults. If you enter the cathedral and look above you, you’ll understand exactly what we are talking about. From the fourth century onwards, the cathedral is thought to have been home to a succession of sanctuaries, rebuilt as the buildings burnt down. After yet another fire damaged the old church in the 11th century, it was decided to build a fine Romanesque cathedral with a single nave. Bishop Hubert of Vendôme commissioned the construction of this new building, which burnt down just a few years after its consecration. However, its outer walls remained intact and were used in the construction of the new cathedral, which would henceforth display both the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its nave was inspired by Angoulême Cathedral and Fontevraud Abbey. Added in the 16th century, the towers are 75 metres high. Check out the knights’ gallery just above the portal. It was added in the same century as the towers by Jean Delespine and depicts the companions of Saint Maurice, martyrs of the 3rd century. There is only one portal. In addition to the baldachin high altar, inspired by the one in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the church’s organ is listed as a Historic Monument, as are its remarkable stained glass windows, some of which are considered to be true masterpieces of 13th-century glass painting. Facing the Maine river and the Doutre district, the majestic Saint-Maurice cathedral is sure to impress.