Description:

Situated within the Chateau at Angers is a massive purpose-built gallery housing the just as massive Tapestry of the Apocalypse. The Apocalypse gallery was constructed in the 1950s specifically to house the tapestry.

The Tapestry of the Apocalypse is actually composed of a number of tapestries on which work was begun in 1373 on the instructions of Louis I of Anjou. The Tapestry is approximately 100 metres in length and about 4 metres 50 centimetres in height. The original Tapestry is thought to have been considerably longer - consisting of 84 different scenes - but over the centuries some sections have been lost.

To protect the delicate artwork of the Tapestry, the gallery is in darkness with special lighting to highlight the Tapestry’s scenes.

The Tapestry was woven in wool by a Paris weaver named Nicolas Bataille assisted by Hennequin de Bruges, a Flemish painter, who produced the artwork for the scenes of the Tapestry.

Scenes portraying the story of the Apocalypse

The representative scenes in the Tapestry of the Apocalypse reflect the concerns and fears Medieval 14th century life in France and Anjou. They also give an insight into what life was like about 700 years ago. Each scene is so detailed many hours could be spent spotting minute features each of which gives a clue as to what was in the minds of the artist and the weaver. Some elements are sombre, reflecting death yet others are humorous and might bring a wry smile. Were people in the 14th century so different from us?

The Flemish artist was inspired by the Apocalypse of St John the Evangelist, as set out in the last book of the New Testament in the Bible, which foretells of the end of the world and humanity. Until that may come to pass, enjoy the Tapestry of the Apocalypse at Angers in all its colourful glory.

Address: Château d’Angers, 2 promenade du Bout-du-Monde, 49100 Angers

Tel : 02 41 86 48 77

Fax : 02 41 87 17 50

Opening Hours (as Chateau): Open every day except 1st January, 1st May, 1st & 11th November and 25 December. From Sep-Apr : 10h - 17h30 and from May-Aug 9h30 – 18h30

Admission: Included in price of admission to Chateau

Travel Tip: If you're paying a visit to the Tapestry of the Apocalypse and the Chateau at Angers, why not take a ride on the 'Petit Train' - the Angers tourist train, which departs from just outside the Chateau, and see other parts of the historic capital of Anjou?

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