Reims Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Reims, France
Notre-Dame de Reims is a Gothic place of worship in the heart of the city in northeastern France. The building extends over a length of 149 meters (489 feet) with a central nave whose vaults rise high above visitors, while three richly decorated portals with detailed sculptures adorn the entrance.
The foundation stone was laid in 1211 after a fire destroyed the previous church, and construction continued into the 14th century. The site became the coronation location for French rulers, with the ceremony for Charles VII taking place in 1429 in the presence of Joan of Arc.
The name of the building comes from the Latin Durocortorum, the ancient term for the city itself. Visitors still attend regular services and organ performances here, while the west facade with its many saint figures once served as a stone bible for those who could not read.
The building opens daily for visitors, with mornings typically less crowded than afternoons. Guided tours help in understanding the architecture and historical connections, while the windows display best on sunny days.
An angel with an open smile, known as the smiling angel, adorns the west facade and was restored after its damage in the First World War. The towers also house an astronomical mechanism that once served to determine Easter dates.
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