The interior of Coutances Cathedral

Coutances Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Coutances) is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral in the town of Coutances, France. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (900x1136, 486 KB) Summary FR : Vue intérieure de la cathédrale de Coutances, Manche, France EN : Interior view of Coutances cathedral, department of Manche, France Author : -- Eric Pouhier Date : November 2005 Licensing File links The following pages link to this... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (900x1136, 486 KB) Summary FR : Vue intérieure de la cathédrale de Coutances, Manche, France EN : Interior view of Coutances cathedral, department of Manche, France Author : -- Eric Pouhier Date : November 2005 Licensing File links The following pages link to this... Interior of Cologne Cathedral Gothic architecture is a style of architecture, particularly associated with cathedrals and other churches, which flourished in Europe during the high and late medieval period. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... For other uses, see Cathedral (disambiguation). ... Coutances is a commune of Normandy, France, in the Manche département, of which it is a sous-préfecture. ...

Standing 80 metres (295 ft) tall it dominates the town and can even be seen from Jersey. It is a classic example of the Gothic style of Normandy employing many long, straight lines. Flag of Normandy Normandy (in French: Normandie, and in Norman: Normaundie) is a geographical region in northern France. ...

In 1048 Bishop Geoffroy de Montbray came to Coutances and set about building a new Cathedral in the norman style. Geoffroy's friend, William Duke of Normandy, was at the consecration of the Cathedral in 1056. William took Geoffroy with him when he conquered England. Geoffroy returned with gifts for the Cathedral.

In 1210 Bishop Hugues de morville started to build the present Cathedral. Behind many of the walls and towers are the reamins of the Norman Cathedral.

The cathedral was completed in 1274 and has remained basically unaltered since. The twin towers rise to almost 80m and its actogonal lantern towers stand over 57m high.

Some damage was done in the Religious Wars in 1562 but this was repaired soon after. In 1794 during the Revolution much damage was done to the Cathedral. Statues were removed from their niches whilst others were slashed with swords. During the Revolution the Cathedral was used as a theatre, a grain store and a Temple of Reason.

During the Second World War, although much damage was done to the town of Countances, very little harm came to the Cathedral.

It is the seat of the Bishop of Coutances and Avranches, previously the Bishops of Coutances. St. ...

The cathedral contains a chapel dedicated to Saint Marcouf. Saint Marcouf (also called Marculf, Marcoul or Marcou) is a saint born in Bayeux in Normandy who is best known for the healing of scrofula. ...

At the entrance is a new window showing figures of the Cathedral founders who build the Cathedrals of 1048 and 1218. in the centre is the figure of St Ereptiole, who is believed to have built the first church in Coutances.

In the South Nave Aisle is a pillar with a carving of mediaval ladies at the top.

The Lantern Tower is designed to provide an intesnse souce of light in the centre of the Cathedral. Eyes are drawn to the circle at the centre which is meant to represent Heaven. The earth is the square and the octagon represents the Resurrection.

Behind the Altar stands six pairs of pillars supporting the roof. These are said to stand for the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.

Above the Altar the windows date from the 1400s.

The South Ambulatory contains the Chapel of St Joseph with a wall painted in 1381. The painting contains the Holy Trinity of God the Father, and Christ on the Cross and the Holy Spirit as a Dove

The window in the Chapel of St Lo is one of the oldest in the Cathedral dating from the 1200s. It shows details from the life of St Lo including celebrating mass with the dove of the Holy Spirit appearing above the Altar. His helper is holding the hem of his robe to prevent him stepping back on to it and falling.

The North Ambulatory contains a window in the Chapel of St. Marcoul showing scenes from the saint's life. The North Ambulatory also holds the Holy Oils used during the sacraments of Baptism and Extreme Unction, confirmation and at the ordination of priests.

The North Transept displays a beautiful 13th century window showing scenes from the lives of St. Thomas Beckett, St. George and St. Blaise.

The floor of the North Aisle is laid with mediaeval tiles decorated with the fleur-de-lys, or Lily, the emblem of the French Royal family. Other tiles show the arms of Castile with the Fleur-de-Lys of France. The baptismal font is also displayed in the North Aisle.

The Cathedral has had an organ since before 1468. The current organ was built in 1728 and has four keyboards or manual and has 51 stops and a pedal board. The west window is partially hidden by the organ.

Above the South Porch are the symbols of St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John, the four authors of the New Testament books of the Bible.

External links

• Pictures of cathedral exterior
• Pictures of cathedral exterior
• Statue of St. Marcouf

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Coutances Cathedral

Coordinates: 49°02′52″N, 1°26′45″W Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...