List Headline Image
Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for Abbeys & Cathedrals in Loire Valley – Architectural heritage sites
 REPORT
Joanna James Joanna James
Owner
5 items   3 followers   0 votes   6 views

Abbeys & Cathedrals in Loire Valley – Architectural heritage sites

Loire Valley is most known for its chateaux, but that is not the only thing the place has to offer to its visitors. For the love of architecture, beautiful cathedrals and abbeys can be toured too.

1

Chartres Cathedral

This cathedral is locally known as Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres and this building is located on the topmost part of the city. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world visit this religious place which was built in the 12th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral was created with amazing Gothic style architecture with none other than the world-famous stained glass windows. The tunic of the Virgin Mary is said to be at this cathedral, therefore, it holds a high place in every pilgrim's heart. The Chartres Cathedral survived many natural and man-made disasters and stood through all the tests of time, and it is believed that the blessings of the Virgin Mary made this possible.

2

Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Next on the list is a definite must-see heritage site in the city. Going on the tours of Loire Valley isn't easy if you do it on your own, thus, coordinating with a service like Easy Go Shuttle will make touring the city so much easier. The cathedral now is not the original, many structures stood in its place over the years, and every single one of them was destroyed by various fires, be it accidental or on purpose. The existing cathedral was begun in the year 1270, and it took many years to be completed, in fact, the final stone was set only in 1547. The intricate details on the walls of the cathedral will take your breath away, and you will end up standing still, staring up at the work done by hands that belonged to someone hundreds of years ago.

3

Blois Cathedral

Located on top of a hill, this cathedral offers crazy good views to the people to visit the structure. From almost any part of Loire Valley, the Blois Cathedral can be seen. The building started off as a church, then got the cathedral stature in the year 1697. The majestic columns and endless rows of chairs facing the podium is an amazing site to look at.

4

Pontlevoy Abbey

Located about 25 kilometres away from Amboise, the village of Pontlevoy is known as one of the sleepy villages near Loire Valley. Not a lot of activity can be seen on the streets, except the odd tourist or two who came to the place to see the chapel.

5

Trinity Abbey Vendome

The story of this historic religious building began in the 11th century when it was naught but a Roman church. Over the centuries, the Gothic style architecture replaced the Roman walls. The Trinity Abbey has been many things throughout the years, from a monastery to a cavalry unit home and a museum. The unique fact about the place is that it is home to the harp that belonged to none other than Lady Marie Antoinette.