Central nave of a Gothic cathedral with ribbed vaults and stained-glass windowsThe interior of a Gothic cathedral features ribbed vaults and slender pillars. Colored stained-glass windows filter natural light, casting warm hues onto the stone walls and floor. Wooden pews line both sides of the central nave, while statues and architectural details adorn the sides.
©The soaring vaults and stained-glass windows bathe the space in golden light, creating a serene atmosphere.|Jim Prod
Cathedral Details

THE LANTERN TOWER

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Known as “the dome”, find out more about Coutances Cathedral’s Lantern Tower

Although the cathedral is symbolised by the two spires that adorn its facade, the Lantern Tower is another of the elements that best represent the cathedral. Extraordinary from the outside, a visit of the upper parts is staggeringly high !

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An architectural masterpiece : The Lantern Tower

A typical feature of Norman architecture, the tower is pierced with light, hence its name of lantern tower. Its staggering height above the cathedral floor makes it a remarkable element. The view from the top of the tower is breathtaking. The weight of the tower is supported by 4 pillars of the casement surmounted by 4 pendentives which ensure the pillars are linked to the tower.

Aerial view of a harbor with moored boats and buildings in the backgroundAerial view of a harbor at the end of the day, showing several sailboats moored along the docks. Buildings of varying sizes, some with terraces, surround the harbor area. The water reflects the orange hues of the sunset, and pedestrians animate the public spaces.
©Harbor activity thrives at dusk, between sailboats and lively terraces.|Jim Prod

    Did you know?

    The lantern tower was once adorned with a spire that was higher than the two spires still in place. During the Second World War, the spire was bombed and burnt down to the height of the bell chamber.

    Central nave of a Gothic cathedral with ribbed vaults, stained glass windows, and rows of red pewsThe central nave of a Gothic cathedral extends toward a choir illuminated by stained glass windows with geometric and floral patterns. Ribbed vaults, adorned with ribs, rise several meters high. Rows of red wooden pews are symmetrically arranged on either side of the central aisle. In the background, an altar and statues are visible under soft lighting.
    ©Gothic architecture reveals its grandeur in this central nave, where light filters through stained glass to illuminate the space.|Jim Prod
    Facade of a Gothic cathedral in grey stone with stained glass and flying buttressesA Gothic cathedral made of grey stone dominates the scene, with a facade featuring colorful stained glass and supported by flying buttresses. A calm water basin partially reflects the structure, surrounded by green grass. The sky is partly cloudy, lit by soft light.
    ©The imposing architecture of this Gothic cathedral is reflected in the calm water of its basin.|Teddy Bear
    Old library with wooden shelves and a person sitting at a reading tableInterior of an old library with dark wooden shelves lining the walls. A person is seated at a wooden reading table, illuminated by natural light filtering through large stained-glass windows. The shelves are filled with ancient books and documents. The floor is made of light parquet, and the walls feature ornate moldings.
    ©The serene atmosphere of a historic library, where time seems to stand still among the books.
    Gothic vault with stained glass windows and architectural detailsA stone Gothic vault, adorned with ribbed vaulting and sculpted keystones, dominates the space. Colored stained glass windows, featuring geometric and floral patterns, filter blue and golden light. Pointed arches and twisted columns enhance the vertical elevation of the architecture.
    ©The elegance of pointed arches and stained glass illuminates the sacred space.

         Important information

      • Total height: 57 meters (187 ft)
      • Bell chamber at the top
      • 41 meter high vault (134.5ft)
      • Circulation gallery (for visiting the upper parts)
      • Square tower outside and octagonal tower inside
      • The corners are surrounded by 4 stair turrets that serve as buttresses
      • 4 big pillars hold the whole thing together

      How to visit ?   

      • Open to the public during the cathedral’s opening hours
      • Free visit with information on the cathedral published by the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire [the local heritage organisation] (free)
      • Audio-guided tour: audioguides for hire at the tourist office (€3)
      • Guided tour of the lower parts (Reservations at the Tourist office)
      • Guided tour of the upper parts (Reservations at the Tourist office)
      Cathedral

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      The organ
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      the stained glass windows
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