Rouen Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Rouen, France.
Rouen Cathedral is a Catholic place of worship in Gothic style at the center of the city in northern France. The building extends over 144 meters and rises with its cast iron spire to 151 meters, clearly dominating the surrounding rooftops.
The origin goes back to 1035, when builders began with a Romanesque design, and modifications followed until 1506 when the current Gothic form was completed. Over the centuries, fires and wars altered the structure repeatedly, making restorations and extensions necessary.
The name honors an early bishop who led the Christian community here during the fourth century. Visitors today see people walking through the interior to view the stained glass windows or attend services, while others pause in front of the main portal to study the detailed sculptures.
Access is available on all weekdays, with extended hours between April and October to accommodate more visitors. Those planning to visit should keep in mind that access to certain areas may be restricted during services.
Within the walls lies the tomb of a twelfth-century English king, whose heart was buried here while his body rests elsewhere. The three towers each display different stages of Gothic building art, so visitors can read several centuries of architectural development in one place.
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