Poitiers - Cathedral

On the ruins of a 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 cathedral is best known for the wonderful stained glass windows. The three windows around the choir date back to the 12th century and may be the oldest in France.

The central window (previous uploads) is very large (8,35ms x 3,10ms). A crucifixion scene is in the center of this window, the Ascension is seen above the crucifixion. Here is, what is seen below.

The top tier has the empty tomb (with two sleeping soldiers), the angel waiting to the left and the three "Myrrhbearers" approaching from the the right.

Matthew 28:1

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb."


The center tier has (left) "NERO IMPERAT(OR)" with a blue devil on his shoulder. He just sentences to death: "STS PETRUS" gets crucified upside down and (right) blindfolded "STS PAULUS" gets decapitated.

Under the head of Saint Peter the sponsors of this church "Henry II of England" and "Eleanor of Aquitaine" watch the scenes.

I cannot read all the words there, but the the restaurators from 188x left their "signature".