The Treasures of the Cathedral
Among the cathedral's treasures, the tomb of François II, last Duke of Brittany, and his wife Marguerite de Foix, holds a prominent place. Commissioned by their daughter, Anne of Brittany, this Renaissance masterpiece was created in 1507 by Michel Colombe. Since 2012, the installation of a lightweight structure allows visitors to appreciate this jewel under new lighting.
The cathedral's crypts are also noteworthy. The Romanesque crypt, dating from the 11th century, houses the building's treasure, while the 19th-century crypt hosts a permanent exhibition tracing the history of the cathedral.
Incidents and Restorations
The cathedral has been the scene of many dramas, including several fires. The first major fire in 1972 destroyed part of the roof trusses, but thanks to the exceptional thickness of the vaults, the damage was limited. The roof was rebuilt with a concrete truss, and extensive restoration work was undertaken, enabling the cathedral to regain all its splendor.
In July 2020, a new fire ravaged the cathedral. Although controlled after two hours, the disaster caused significant damage. The great organ, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, was completely destroyed, as were parts of the stained glass windows and artworks, including the painting **Saint Clair Healing the Blind** by Hippolyte Flandrin. Demolition and restoration work is still ongoing, and partial reopening of the cathedral is scheduled for late 2023.
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