Sunday, November 14, 2010

Reims Cathedral


Where French kings from Louis VIII to Charles X were once crowned, and built on the basilica where Clovis was baptized, Notre-Dame de Reims is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the city of Reims in France. Before being used for the coronation of kings however, Reims was named after a Gallic tribe in Reims, Reims being an important urban center during Roman times. The cathedral, built in 1211 (after it burned down) by architect Jean D'Orbais, is modeled after Chartres, its portals are covered with statues, Chartres being the only cathedral with more than Reims. The west facade of Reims was constructed in the 14th century though displays 13th century styles with three portals, pointed arches, rose windows, and towers surrounding it. As a visitor at Reims you can see the 56 stone effigies of the French kings at the western façade or the rose window dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Sources:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/496515/Reims-Cathedral
http://famouswonders.com/the-reims-cathedral/

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