Tours - Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

The first church, dedicated to Saint Maurice, was built here on order of Lidoire, bishop of Tours from 337 to 371 (preceding Saint Martin). This church burnt down 561, it was restored by Gregory of Tours in 590. This church then got replaced by a Romanesque structure, that again burnt in 1166 during the conflict between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, who as well was Count of Anjou.

The erection of the present cathedral started around 1170

The chancel was built 1236 to 1279, but the nave took longer to build. It was completed end of the 14th century, before the Gothic facade was finished about 100 years later.

In 1562 Huguenot iconoclasts created great damages here, but they did not destroy the 13th century stained glass windows of the choir. Not surprising Sant Martin (aka "Martin of Tours") can be found.

Here Saint Martin cuts his cloak in half to share with the beggar.

Here Saint Martin cuts his cloak in half to share with the beggar.

The cloak became a famous relic preserved at the Marmoutier Abbey near Tours. The miraculous cloak, ("cappa Sancti Martini") was carried by the kings and used as a holy relic during royal ceremonies. It is attested in the royal treasury in 679.

The priests who cared for the cloak in its reliquary were called "cappellani". The word developed - French "chapelains", English "chaplain", German "Kaplan".

The small temporary churches built for the relic were called "capella", the word for a little cloak. This word developed as well. French "chapelle", English "chapel", German "Kapelle".