Basilique Saint Nicolas, Nantes
The Basilica of Saint Nicolas is a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture and one of the city鈥檚 most significant religious landmarks. Built between 1844 and 1869, the basilica replaced an older church that dated back to 1287, which had become too small and dilapidated by the early 19th century. Due to the narrow plot available, the basilica was built on a rare north-south axis instead of the traditional east-west alignment. The first stone, laid with a commemorative medal, marked the beginning of what would become the first major Gothic Revival project in France. Designed primarily by Jean-Baptiste Lassus and later completed by architects Henri-Th茅odore Driollet and Gustave de Bourgerel, the church was consecrated in 1876 and elevated to basilica status in 1882.
The basilica was heavily damaged during World War II bombings in 1943, prompting a long period of reconstruction from 1953 to 1974. In recognition of its architectural and historical value, it was classified as a historic monument in 1986. This designation led to extensive restorations beginning in 1996, which revealed and enhanced some of its most beautiful features. Notable elements include the large southern portal and tympanum, adorned with a statue of Saint Nicholas blessing visitors鈥攁 work by sculptor Vallet that bears the likeness of Abbot Fournier, the driving force behind the basilica鈥檚 construction. Excavations during urban redevelopment in 2017 also uncovered traces of earlier residential buildings, shedding new light on the area鈥檚 layered past.
Architecturally, the basilica is impressive in scale and detail. It stretches 86 meters in length and 32 meters in width, with a vaulted ceiling reaching 24 meters high. Its 100-meter spire, supported by a square and then octagonal tower, is crowned by gilded angel statues and recalls the grandeur of Renaissance palaces. The building's use of granite and tufa stone gives it a luminous white appearance, while decorative gargoyles, stained glass windows, and intricate balconies contribute to its visual richness.
The basilica was heavily damaged during World War II bombings in 1943, prompting a long period of reconstruction from 1953 to 1974. In recognition of its architectural and historical value, it was classified as a historic monument in 1986. This designation led to extensive restorations beginning in 1996, which revealed and enhanced some of its most beautiful features. Notable elements include the large southern portal and tympanum, adorned with a statue of Saint Nicholas blessing visitors鈥攁 work by sculptor Vallet that bears the likeness of Abbot Fournier, the driving force behind the basilica鈥檚 construction. Excavations during urban redevelopment in 2017 also uncovered traces of earlier residential buildings, shedding new light on the area鈥檚 layered past.
Architecturally, the basilica is impressive in scale and detail. It stretches 86 meters in length and 32 meters in width, with a vaulted ceiling reaching 24 meters high. Its 100-meter spire, supported by a square and then octagonal tower, is crowned by gilded angel statues and recalls the grandeur of Renaissance palaces. The building's use of granite and tufa stone gives it a luminous white appearance, while decorative gargoyles, stained glass windows, and intricate balconies contribute to its visual richness.
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Basilique Saint Nicolas on Map
Sight Name: Basilique Saint Nicolas
Sight Location: Nantes, France (See walking tours in Nantes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nantes, France (See walking tours in Nantes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nantes, France
Create Your Own Walk in Nantes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nantes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nantes Introduction Walking Tour
Dubbed 鈥淭he Sleeping Beauty of France,鈥� Nantes is a city that found rebirth through culture and creativity. Straddling the Loire River in western France, its history stretches across two millennia. The city's name comes from the Namnetes, a Celtic tribe that made their home here before the Romans arrived. The latter incorporated the settlement into their empire in the 1st century BC,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles