Leaning against the ramparts of the medieval town of Cherbourg, on Place Napoléon, the Sainte-Trinité basilica is one of the oldest monuments in the Norman town. Listed as a Historic Monument, it presents its visitors with a large number of classified furniture, including a high altar sculpted by Armand Fréret, baptismal fonts from the 14th century and even bas-reliefs in the nave representing a macabre dance and scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Visitors to this fine example of Gothic architecture will also appreciate the 15th century carved alabasters coming straight from Nottingham.
Accessible via a tower-porch from the beginning of the 19th century, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity also has an original Romanesque porch from the 11th century. The latter was completely restored in the 19th century with beautiful polychrome painting. It's hard to resist the 16th century flamboyant Gothic style north portal or not to linger in the rib-vaulted nave with keystones depicting the sun, the moon and cherubs. Inside, visitors can also discover the Gothic arcades of the five bays of the nave.
