Built within 2
centuries
A front door of the cathedral
The 13th century stalls are among
the oldest in France |
Situated a little lower and outside the town center, St Peter Cathedral is – for the same reason as the cathedral of Angers – the most elaborated monument in the so-called “Plantagenêt Gothic” style. Characterized by its very large flat apse, it is probably the most original representation of that art.
Building and architecture
Very slowly built, from 1162, it was consecrates in 1369 and will only be subject to minor transformations such as: completion of the towers, repairing of the damages caused by the religious wars, taking down of a blasted steeple, and inner fitting up.
During those two centuries, a radical change was made in the roofing. Moreover, in the 13th century, the architecture of the building
war to bear the stamp of the Parisian gothic style, witch is particularly visible in the sculptures of the west-front doors.
In the 19th century, only the dome of the south tower - damaged by the bad weather – was laid down and the pinnacle turrets added.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the restoration was completed by building a neo-gothic crowing of the front. Since then,
only maintenance has been undertaken.
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A rich inside
You must linger in the cathedral to discover its wealth. Though the mural paintings were all covered with white wash in 1783,
you can still admire the magnificent stained-glass window
dating from the 12th and 13th century.
Among the oldest one, the very famous stained-glass window of the Crucifixion stands in the apse wall.
This monumental masterpiece witch was made between 1165 and 1170 is one of the major achievements of the Romanesque stained-glass windows.
You must also linger over the 13th stalls. There remain two sets of 37 seats each – at least 24 have been lost –
witch ware among the oldest in France. Showing great economy of line, they include a great variety of motifs: pets or fantastic animals,
scenes of everyday life, representation of crafts or allegorical figurations of vices. These stalls obviously testify to
the introduction of the art displayed in royal residence, into Pout.
Let us point out the treasure witch is kept in the south tower. It displays over 60 exhibits and is worth a visit.
More of half of exhibits have been willingly deposited there by some other churches of the Vine department, or by monasteries.
Lastly, the visit of the cathedral would not be complete if you did not let yourself be filled with the sumptuous colors of the
François-Henri Clicquot organ, witch fits in so well with the monument, since its installation, in 1791.
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To get more information:
La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Poitiers
By Abbé Yves Blomme.
Collection “Les cathédrales de France”
Editions du Patrimoine.
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