Saintes cathedral, Gothic cathedral and minor basilica in Saintes, France.

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.

A 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, linked to Bishop Pierre de Confolens who ordered a new building in 1117, was largely rebuilt from 1450 in Flamboyant Gothic style. In 1568 Protestant troops sacked it, destroying sculptures including a Charlemagne statue, and the nave was later rebuilt lower with an exposed timber roof. The diocese was suppressed in 1801 and since 1852 the church has been a co-cathedral with La Rochelle.

Since 1852 Saintes cathedral has shared the title of cathedral with Saint-Louis in La Rochelle, and it also holds the rank of minor basilica. The 15th-century portal shows angels, apostles, prophets, clerics, warriors and musicians; the sculptures were hammered during the 1568 sack, when a figure of Charlemagne was destroyed. A 17th-century organ and Gothic and Renaissance chapels remain in use.

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.

The west tower was meant to carry a tall stone spire, but it was never built; the rounded dome now on top is a cheaper substitute, which gives the tower its heavy look. The portal below, carved in the 15th century, has four figured archivolts with angels, apostles, prophets, warriors and musicians; the sculptures were hammered in 1568 and a statue of Charlemagne was destroyed.