Marriage of Marguerite de Valois and Henri de Navarre

In the second half of the 16th century, France was in the midst of religious wars between Catholics and Protestants. Apparently* in an effort to end these wars and pacify the kingdom, Queen Catherine de Medicis organized the marriage of her daughter Margot to Henri, the Protestant King of Navarre.

The marriage ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Henri, being a Protestant, the vows ceremony could not be held inside the church, but under the porche! This marriage led to the tragic night of Saint-Bartholomew.

Apparently*, as to this day, historians are still divided regarding the subsequent events. The photos are from Patrice Chéreau's film ”Queen Margot" with stellar actress Isabelle Adjani and Daniel Auteuil.