The triforium

In the middle of the 13th century, the cathedral of Tours was one of the very first to have an open triforium .
Its glazing in the choir is considered one of the finest ensembles of its kind from the 13th century, because of its state of preservation.

In the choir, around the apse, the Virgin Mary and the apostles happily complete the history of the Church told in the upper windows, while fine grisaille, some of it original, adorns the openings of the straight bays.

In the north transept arm and at the west end, it displays a fine collection of 15th-century stained-glass showing lay and religious donors. These are re-used panels from the nave glazing, destroyed by hail in the 18th century.

15th-century triforium window: a donor at prayer beneath a canopy

In the north triforium of the nave you can see:

  • In the 1st bay: the prophet Samuel with the ampulla used to anoint the kings of Israel; the sacrifice of Isaac.
  • In the 5th bay: filler pieces and re-used panels from the 14th, 15th and 20th centuries.

In the south triforium: an Annunciation and Saint Catherine of Alexandria (5th bay).

15th-century triforium window: an angel and a figure beneath gilded architecture