Tréguier Things to Do

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The cathedral was built mostly between 1300-1400 of granite, a substance that is difficult to work. It was built upon a Romanesque base still extant as the North (the Hastings Tower) of three square towers along the transept line. The south tower had a spectacular pierced spire added in the 18C (202 ft high). The entries are through porches at the West Front and the South Transept. The Porch on the west descends from the street level to the entry doors where a Madonna and Child stand between the double doors. There are carved niches in the porch without statues probably lost during the devastations of 1793 when the beautiful windows were destroyed.

This half-timbered house built in the 16th century was the place where French writer Ernest Renan (1823-92) lived. He was an important author and scientist, but unfortunately he is almost unknown abroad. It is possible to visit the house from April to September, but my parents and I didn't go inside.

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The treasure is one of the most interesting parts of the church to visit. These photos show some important pieces you can see there:
1) a shrine with Saint Yves's skull;
2) a pictures of the local pardon of 19th May 1947 at which also Monsignor Roncalli, future Pope John XXIII took part;
3) a chasublier, i.e. a desk with rotating drawer (what is the English equivalent?) containing photos and other stuff;
4) paraments;
5) the parish standard, crosses, statues and other things used during the annual pardon.
That's very beautiful, isn't it? So, don't miss it when you visit the church. And now let's go outside to the cloister.

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The bombs of World War II destroyed the windows of the church that have subsequently been replaced with modern ones.
The window in the first photo depicts holy scenes, but it is very difficult to distinguish the characters due to the art technique. The second windows shows Saint John's death. The third pictures regroupes three windows with paintings about the evil that war brings. The fourth photo should portray Saint Yves, but I'm not sure. Finally, the fifth image show the window of the apse.

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The cloister is another charming part of the cathedral. In the corridor there are several tombs of bishops and priests. Have a look at the beautiful arches and at the garden. Moreover, the cloister lets you enjoy a great view of the clock tower with buttresses.
The visit to the Cathédrale de Saint-Tugdual has finished. Don't forget to tip your guide!

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This is a bas-relief portraying a scene from the chapter 12 of the Apocalypse of Saint John the Apostle, also known as Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible that deals with the end of the world.
Our guide told us an interesting story: French politician Robert Schuman, author of the famous Schuman's declaration of 9th May 1950, considered as the first step towards the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community and the EEC (ancestors of the European Union), but also a fervent Christian, is reported to have spent a whole day in the Strasbourg cathedral praying in front of a painting portraying the same scene. The view of the 12 stars in the sky gave him the idea for the future European flag. The site of the European Union tells a different story of the flag. I think both can be true. Schuman's beatification process started in the Vatican City on 23th June 2004, five days after the approval of the EU Constitutional treaty where Europe's Christian roots weren't mentioned, with great disappointment of Pope John Paul II.

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Here are some interesting sculptures you can see in the church: two crucifixes of different times, another ancient sculpture (I don't remember what it represents) and a statue of Saint Michael without His sword. This is a copy of a pre-existing sculpture and the fact He hasn't got the sword means the refusal of war, if I'm not wrong.

Apparently, Tugdual was a Welsh monk who lived in the 5th century and went with other monks to evangelize pagan Bretagne. He is one of the seven saint founders of Breizh. His name has several writings: Tudgual, Tudwal, Tuzval, Tudal, Tual, Tutuarn and Pabu (= Father). He founded the monastery of Tréguier, which was the original core of the present church, if I'm not wrong. You find more information about him in the site below (in French; the English version does not provide many news).
As you see, he is not completely a historical character, since his story has many legendary features. This picture shows his statue inside the church.