Poitiers

Poitiers (ancient Limonum), city in west-central France, capital of the Vienne Department in Poitou-Charentes. It is a commercial, manufacturing, and transport centre; products include machinery, metal goods, chemicals, electrical equipment, and processed food. Among the points of interest are Roman ruins; the Baptistery of St Jean (begun 4th century, one of the oldest Christian buildings in France); the Romanesque church of Notre Dame la Grande, and the Angevin-Gothic Cathedral of St Pierre, both begun in the 12th century. The University of Poitiers, established in 1432 by Charles VII of France, is in the city.

Founded in pre-Roman times, Poitiers was a residence of Visigoth kings in the 5th century ad. In 732, Charles Martel, ruler of the Franks, checked the advance of the Saracens into western Europe at a site between Poitiers and Tours. Poitiers was held by the English from 1152 to 1204, and in 1356 during the Hundred Years' War, the English, under Edward, the Black Prince, won a great victory over the French near Poitiers. The city suffered considerable damage during the Wars of Religion of the late 16th century, when it was besieged by the Huguenots. Its modern economic development dates from the 19th century. Population 89,000 (2005 estimate).