Eglise Saint-Germain de Rennes

We find ourselves before the Eglise Saint-Germain de Rennes, a structure that embodies the late Gothic splendor of the city. While Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine speaks to the ancient monastic roots of Rennes, Saint-Germain tells…

The main portal of Saint-Germain is a definitive example of the Flamboyant Gothic style. As you stand before it, notice how the stone seems to take on a liquid, flame-like quality. …

Upon entering the nave, the first thing you will notice is the sense of verticality and light, though it is more intimate than a grand cathedral. The late Gothic builders of Saint-Germain were masters of creating spaces that felt…

Saint-Germain is home to some of the most significant sixteenth-century stained glass in Brittany. As you move along the aisles, take the time to examine the windows in the side chapels. …

The choir and the high altar of Saint-Germain represent the liturgical heart of the sanctuary. The space is designed to focus the attention of the congregation on the sacred mysteries. …

The history of Saint-Germain is marked by its survival. During the Great Fire of 1720, which destroyed nearly half of Rennes, the church was spared, along with the timber-framed houses we saw at the Place des Lices. …

Finally, we must consider the church's relationship with the surrounding city. The small square in front of Saint-Germain was once the center of a bustling neighborhood of magistrates and lawyers, many of whom lived in the nearby…

As we conclude our tour of the Church of Saint-Germain, we reflect on its role as the elegant sanctuary of the Rennes elite. We have seen how its Flamboyant Gothic architecture and Renaissance stained glass reflect a period of…