Angers is the 16th largest town in France, with 156,000 inhabitants. It is situated along both banks of the Maine River, and its southern suburb is situated along the Loire River. The city is the capital of the historic province of Anjou and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Due to the dark schist local rocks, the region is also traditionally nicknamed 'Black Anjou'.
The most notable historical architectural structures are the magnificent twin-spiraled Cathedral of Saint Maurice (12th-13th century) and the massive Castle of Angers (early 13th century). Built from dark stone bands, the castle complex is prominently surrounded by 17 defensive cylindrical towers which stand as a reminder of the strategic military history of the town.
The Castle of Angers houses a world-renowned tapestry museum that includes the famous Apocalypse tapestry series of Nicholas Bataille, who directed the master weaving campaign, while Hennequin de Bruges created the original illustrative paintings. Measuring an exceptional 140 meters in length, it stands as the largest surviving medieval tapestry composition in the world.
author: Boštjan Burger