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 transition from the late Romanesque to the Gothic style is visible.

The "Porte Saint Michel", a small side portal, was probably created around 1180. The portal is clearly Romanesque, following the "style poitevin" it has no tympanum.