Poitiers - Cathedral

On the ruins of an older basilica begann, just next to the Baptistère Saint-Jean the construction of large Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in 1162. The building, the new the seat of the Archbishop of Poitiers, was greatly funded by Henry II of England (aka "Henri II Plantagenêt") and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The construction started as usual in the east and was completed with the western facade end of the 13th century.

The transition from the late Romanesque to the Gothic style is visible. The three Gothic portals of the western facade seem influenced by the Gothic cathedrals from northern France.

The tympanum of the left portal depicts the Coronation of Mary. This can often be found on Gothic facades of that time. The first coronation was carved around 1150 in Senlis.