Reims Cathedral
In the city of Reims, France, there is a cathedral with a long history and significant status. Although it is not as famous as Notre-Dame de Paris, Reims Cathedral's place in French history is undeniable. It is said that Clovis, the first king of France, was baptized here, and his decision ultimately led to Paris becoming the capital of France. From Henry I in 1027 to Charles X in 1825, this was the coronation site for many kings, imbuing it with an aura of sanctity and glory. Reims Cathedral is also renowned for its exquisite and ornate architectural style and its 2,303 statues, making it a pinnacle of French architectural art.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the famous religious pilgrimage sites in France. It is said that the Virgin Mary once appeared here, and the holy robe preserved in the cathedral was also a gift to this church. Although the facade of the cathedral is not very outstanding, somewhat simple and disproportionate, it has stood for a thousand years, showing us a magnificent and sacred place. Here, you can not only appreciate advanced architectural techniques and feel the historical depth of these outstanding cathedrals, but also explore the mysterious legend of the Holy Robe of Mary and experience the spiritual charm of the cathedral.
Amiens Cathedral
In a small city in France, there is a cathedral considered a masterpiece of the peak period of Gothic architecture. It is called 'Cathedrale de Saint-Denis' and is regarded as one of the largest cathedrals in France. Its architecture is magnificent and awe-inspiring. In fact, its scale and grandeur not only surpass Notre-Dame de Paris but also make it one of the earliest Gothic buildings in the world. The company led by Saint Denis, who proposed its construction, is believed to have created it as a story to teach faith. Unfortunately, the two towers have different shapes due to being built in different periods, which some interpret as 'asymmetrical beauty,' though this might be hard for ordinary people to understand.
Rouen Cathedral
Located in Rouen, France, this cathedral is a stunning piece of architecture with its spire reaching up to 150 meters, making it one of the tallest churches in France. Additionally, its façade is one of the largest among French cathedrals, leaving visitors in awe. Monet once came here to create his famous paintings, practicing his technique of controlling light. However, it is worth noting that his subject was the 'Rouen Cathedral,' while this is the 'Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen,' which are different.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
This world-famous Gothic cathedral is astonishing not only for its ornate carved facade but also for the historic events it has witnessed. The cathedral's construction was completed centuries ago and is considered one of the outstanding examples of Gothic architecture, standing in the heart of the city. Two centuries later, a great writer found inspiration for one of his famous works here. Another of history's greatest figures also spent his most glorious moments here. The cathedral seems to carry the marks of time, capturing historical images, allowing us to meet those great souls under the same sky.
