The Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers, seat of the Bishops of Angers, is known for its stained glass and its ornate west facade.

The earliest religious structure known on the site was a cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with Saint Maurice (Theban Egyptian martyr) added to the dedication in 396. The current structure was built between the 11th and 16th centuries, and it incorporates architecture from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance eras.

The west portal is Romanesque, with a tympanum over the doorway showing Christ in Majesty. Higher up is a gallery of Saint Maurice and his martyr knights, from the 16th century (though the statues we see are copies added in 1909).

Saint Maurice and his martyr knights, on the facade of the cathedral

The cathedral boasts significant stained glass, including pieces from the 12th and 13th centuries. The south rose window (1451) includes the zodiac signs on the top half and elders on the bottom half.

There is also a large amount of carved wood in the cathedral, including an ornate pulpit and the choir stalls, from the 19th century.

The cathedral enjoys a view to the Maine River and is just a short walk from the Château d'Angers and the Maison d'Adam. They're all on the route of the "blue path," a self-guided walking tour of old Angers.

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