Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Saintes

The cathedral's origins date back to the 12th century, when a Romanesque predecessor was built on this site. Only a Romanesque transept arm and the crossing remain from this building today. The cloisters date from the 13th century. From 1450, a comprehensive reconstruction in the Flamboyant style began, but in 1568, during the French Wars of Religion, it was severely damaged by Protestant looting. The damage was so extensive that the nave had to be completely rebuilt. Due to limited resources, the cathedral could never be fully completed according to the original plans.