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Cathedral · Rennes, Bretanha
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes
Cathedral in the old town, with a classical granite façade and a gilded neoclassical interior, completed in the 19th century. It is the seat of the archdiocese of Rennes, Dol and Saint-Malo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes
The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes sits in the heart of Vieux Rennes and is the seat of the archdiocese of Rennes, Dol and Saint-Malo. On the site there stood a 12th-century Gothic church where, at Christmas 1483, Henry Tudor, the future King Henry VII of England, pledged to marry Elizabeth of York.
In 1490 the tower and façade of the Gothic church collapsed. Rebuilding the façade took 163 years and resulted in the granite front in a classical style that you see today, with two towers.
The nave and choir were in danger of collapsing in the 18th century and were rebuilt from scratch. Work stopped during the Revolution and only finished in the 19th century: the new cathedral was inaugurated at Easter 1844, with a neoclassical interior of Ionic columns and extensive gilding.
The cathedral escaped the fire of 1720, which stopped a few dozen metres away. It has been a historic monument since 1906 and has the largest swinging bell in the Bretanha.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
During the day, outside mass times. It's an active church; check the times before you go.
How to get there
It's on Rue de la Monnaie, in the historic centre, about a 5-minute walk from Place des Lices and the Portes Mordelaises.
Tip
Notice the contrast between the sober granite façade and the gilded interior. When you leave, follow Rue du Chapitre, with old houses right alongside.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes
Is there an entrance fee for the cathedral?
No. It is an active church; avoid visiting during masses.
Is the cathedral medieval?
The façade is classical, finished in the 17th century, and the interior is neoclassical, from the 19th century. Almost nothing visible remains of the earlier Gothic church.
What's nearby?
The Portes Mordelaises, Rue du Chapitre, Place des Lices and the rest of Vieux Rennes, all a few minutes on foot.