Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes

Cathedral in Vannes

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Donar Reiskoffer

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes, located in the heart of Vannes, Brittany, is a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral with a rich history spanning centuries. It serves as the seat of the Bishop of Vannes and holds the title of a minor basilica, granted in 1870. The cathedral is one of the seven stops on the Tro Breiz pilgrimage, a route honoring the seven founding saints of Brittany.

The cathedral’s construction began in the 15th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, with its development continuing over five centuries. This long construction period has resulted in a fascinating blend of architectural styles, primarily Gothic with remnants of Romanesque elements, such as the base of the bell tower. The interior features a nave flanked by ten chapels, a transept with uneven arms, and a choir surrounded by a graceful ambulatory and an axial chapel.

One of the cathedral’s highlights is the tomb of Saint Vincent Ferrer, a Dominican friar and missionary who played a significant role in the Christian history of Vannes. His relics are housed in a beautifully adorned chapel, making the cathedral a site of spiritual significance.

The cathedral also boasts intricate stained glass windows, a grand organ, and a neo-Gothic façade added in the 19th century. Its northern portal, built in the Flamboyant Gothic style, is particularly striking, featuring niches designed to hold statues of the twelve apostles.

Visitors can explore the cathedral daily, and its central location makes it easily accessible while exploring the historic streets of Vannes. Whether you’re drawn to its architectural beauty, historical significance, or spiritual ambiance, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes is a must-visit landmark in Brittany.

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Vannes!

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