Saintes cathedral

Saintes cathedral is a church building with Gothic features including pointed arches and ribbed vaults that structure the interior. The roof was completed in 1927 with a wooden ceiling and the tower rises with a dome at its top.

The building began as a bishop's seat for the Saintes diocese and kept that role until 1801. In that year the diocese was dissolved and its lands passed to the La Rochelle diocese.

The building functioned as a gathering place for worship, with interior spaces divided to separate clergy from worshippers in medieval tradition. The layout and furnishings reflect how communities gathered and participated in religious life over many centuries.

The building sits in central Saintes and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should note that regular services take place and opening times may vary accordingly.

During the Wars of Religion the building sustained damage from Protestant forces, leading to repairs carried out with limited funds. These financial constraints prevented the later addition of a planned spire on the tower.

Location: Saintes

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

GPS coordinates: 45.74444,-0.63194

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:19