Saint-Malo Cathedral Inside the Walled City

The Saint-Malo Cathedral or more precisely St Vincent of Saragosse Cathedral  (Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Saragosse de Saint-Malo ) was at one time a Benedictine Abbey. Built in Romanesque style at the turn of the 12th century, the church’s choir then underwent changes in the 13th century the choir making it gothic style.

Transformations from Romanesque to Gothic to High Gothic and even Renaissance styles can be found here. In 1944 during a battle for the city, the cathedral was bombed and the choir section collapsed. It took over 20 years to make the repairs.

The streets inside the walled city are close and well-shaded by the buildings. Stop and look up from time to time to not miss views such as the one above.

 

 

This was a surprise find as we learned about Jacques Cartier in French class! He was born here in St-Malo in 1491. Part of his claim to fame is that he was the first European to map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Saint Lawrence River in Canada.

 

 

 

 

When I’m inside these historic churches I find myself longing for a ladder. To be elevated to the same level of some of the higher stained glass windows would be amazing!

There is a copy of this statue of the virgin over one of the entrances to the walled city. Another known name for the statue is Miraculeuse Protectrice de la Cité Malouine, Miraculous Protector of the City of Malo.

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