If you are passing through Amiens, you more than likely won't be able to miss it. An impressive historic monument, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame will surely take your breath away, so don't hesitate to go and visit it!
If you are passing through Amiens, you more than likely won't be able to miss it. An impressive historic monument, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame will surely take your breath away, so don't hesitate to go and visit it!
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Amiens is one of the most imposing in France, by its volume and its height of nearly 115 metres. Its construction debuted in the 12th century, but the cathedral was essentially built from 1220 up to 1269. The building is the most important representations of the classical Gothic style. The sculptures that adorn the facade testify to this and you will be amazed to contemplate its meticulous woodwork, a model copied throughout the Middle Ages.
Listed as a historic monument of France, the Cathedral of Amiens has been listed a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1981. The original stained glass windows have disappeared and some dissimilar elements show a construction that has over time, moved somewhat away from the architect's initial plan.
Although it has undergone many restorations and renovations, it is the architectural unity of the cathedral that is nevertheless underlined and particularly noticed today.
Since the beginning of the years 2000, the exterior facades have been completely cleaned and restored, revealing polychromes that had been erased.
If you want to take a little height, nothing like a guided tour of the nave and the towers of the Cathedral Notre-Dame. After passing through the south tower which will allow you to discover the pink balcony along the main facade, you will continue the ascent to the north tower which culminates to 66 metres high and will offer you a breathtaking panoramic view of the gargoyles of the Cathedral, and also of the city, its belfry and its surroundings.
For this, be ready to climb nearly 300 steps!
If you want to see more, you can also discover the Cathedral's Treasure Room, open to the public since three years now. Its history is incredible, as it disappeared in 1793 during the French Revolution. Over time, it was reconstituted with historic relics. The central element is the crown of Paraclet, made in the 14th century at the abbey of the same name, made with precious materials: gold, silver, enamels, fine pearls and crystal.
