Le Mans Cathedral

About

Saint-Julien du Mans Cathedral is a Catholic place of worship, the seat of the diocese of Le Mans, located in Le Mans, France. It is one of the largest cathedrals of the Gothic-Roman period in France, medieval testimony of the architectural style of the Gothic Angelvin. This cathedral has undergone many constructions and reconstructions since its foundation.

Started around 1060 under the episcopate of Vulgrin, it was completed around 1430. It should have been further enlarged around 1500, but the lack of resources caused the bishop of the time to resign. Attacked by air pollution over the years, prone to natural ageing, Saint-Julien Cathedral is an almost permanent renovation project.

It is home to the tombs of St Julien and Charles of Anjou. Located on the hillside of Old Mans, the building has a tower that culminates at 64 meters, making it the highest building in the Mancelle agglomeration. In 2023, the building was sacred to France's most beautiful cathedral.