Quimper Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in Quimper, Brittany, France
Quimper Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Corentin, is a Gothic building whose west front has two towers: the north one ends in a pointed spire, the south one is flat-topped with pinnacles. Between them stands a statue of the legendary King Gradlon. The nave bends slightly to the left, and the interior vaults near the entrance are painted pale terracotta pink, while those over the crossing and choir are pale green.
Construction began in 1239 under Bishop Rainaud and experienced major growth during the early 1400s when Duke Jean V supported its development. These two building periods shaped the structure that stands today.
The cathedral is one of the seven stopping points of the Tro Breizh, the Breton pilgrimage circuit. Its stained glass, made between the 15th and 19th centuries, shows Breton saints such as Paul Aurelian, Yves of Kermartin, Roch, Ronan of Locronan and Corentin. Since 1886 the chapel has held the relic of Saint Corentin's arm.
The cathedral stands in Quimper's centre, a short walk from the Odet and the old town. The west facade faces the place Saint-Corentin; the three north portals and the south Porche de la Vierge open onto the surrounding streets. The floor is uneven in places and the nave bends slightly to the left, so follow the central aisle toward the choir.
The building has an unusual bend in its middle section because builders had to work around natural ground conditions and avoid swampy areas. This unexpected shape makes it notable among similar structures.
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