Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Cathedral of Saint-Gatien de Tours, dedicated to the first bishop of the city, replaces several earlier buildings. A first cathedral, Saint-Maurice, was built between 337 and 371 by Bishop Lidoire, then burned in 561 and restored by Grégoire de Tours. A new Romanesque building, rebuilt in the 12th century, was destroyed by fire in 1166 during the conflicts between Louis VII and Henry II of England. No trace of his plan reached us.

The construction of the present cathedral began in 1170, with the south crusillon and towers, followed by the choir between 1236 and 1279. This site marked the emergence of a "Ligerian" Gothic style, characterized by refined decoration. The nave, begun in the 14th century by Simon du Mans, was only completed in the 15th century, thanks to the financing of Charles VII and Duke John V of Brittany. The towers, raised in the 16th century (1507 for the north, 1534–47 for the south), combine flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance.

Ranked a historic monument in 1862, Saint-Gatien is distinguished by its 13th–15th century stained glass windows, among the most complete in Europe, and its carved facade, partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion (1562). The furniture includes a Renaissance tomb of the children of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, as well as a 17th century tabernacle. The adjacent cloister, known as the "Psalette", and the Gallo-Roman remains in the vicinity testify to its historic anchoring.

The building also illustrates the evolution of architectural techniques: Romanesque bases, Gothic vaults (29 m high), and Renaissance arrows. Its four bells, including the bumblebee Christus (1749), come in part from nearby abbeys, such as Cormery. The restorations of the 19th and 20th centuries (glass windows by Lobin, polychromy of the choir) preserved this heritage, while integrating contemporary creations, such as the stained glass windows by Gérard Collin-Thiébaut (2011).

Future

The cathedral, restored to Catholic worship after the revolution in 1802, was classified as a historical monument in 1862. Since regular restoration campaigns it has maintained its condition.
We can come and admire her every day! Visit is free!

Visits:
- Free individual visits
Guided on request: contact or leave a message to Presence Cathedral at: 06 87 53 45 23
Average duration : 00:30
- Group visits
Free on request no
Guided on request: contact or leave a message to Presence Cathedral at: 06 87 53 45 23
Average duration : 01:00

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