Basilique Saint-Sauveur, Dinan, France Verified listing

Basilique Saint-Sauveur, Dinan, France

The Basilica of Saint-Sauveur de Dinan, a Roman Catholic church in Dinan, France, plays a central role in the town’s history. It is one of two main parish churches, the other being Saint-Malo. Construction began in the 11th century, but significant changes occurred after a reconstruction campaign in 1480. During this period, builders added the northern aisle to the nave and completely rebuilt the apse and transept. They also redesigned the upper parts of the façade. The southern nave wall and lower façade are the only parts remaining from the original Romanesque church.

This reconstruction showcases the town’s prosperity at the end of the Middle Ages. The radiating chapels reflect the blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles in Brittany during the early 16th century. However, in 1547, the bell tower collapsed, prompting further changes. Builders decided not to vault the choir but instead to install a panelled roof.

The church also became a site of Marian devotion. Local worship centered on Notre-Dame-des-Vertus, a 15th-century bas-relief originally housed in the Cordeliers convent. People honored this depiction of the Assumption of the Virgin, which led Pope Pius XII to designate the basilica as a minor basilica on May 23, 1954.

In addition, the basilica houses numerous furnishings, including a cenotaph with the heart of Bertrand du Guesclin, a famous Breton hero. The basilica’s rich history and impressive architecture make it a key landmark in Dinan.

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