Notre-Dame d'Amiens, Gothic cathedral in Amiens, France
Notre-Dame d'Amiens is a Gothic cathedral in Amiens, northern France, known for its impressive size and elaborate portals. The building rises above the city and shows long rows of pillars inside that support a high vaulted ceiling.
Construction began in 1220 after a fire destroyed the earlier church, and was led by Robert de Luzarches. The work continued for several decades and was largely completed in the late 13th century.
The name honors the Virgin Mary, to whom this church is dedicated, and the walls still show colored markings from the Middle Ages that once covered the entire interior. Visitors often notice how light falls through the tall windows, illuminating different areas of the space throughout the day.
The entrance is on the west side where the three large portals are located, and the interior is accessible by wheelchair through a side entrance. The best light for viewing comes on sunny afternoons when the windows glow from inside.
A stone from 1288 shows the names of all the original builders who worked on the completion, which is very unusual for medieval churches. This inscription is near the main altar and visible to observant visitors.
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