Sens Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Sens, France
Description
Sens Cathedral is an early Gothic religious building featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a central nave flanked by two side aisles. The facade displays three entrance portals decorated with religious sculptures and carvings.
History
Construction started in 1135 under Archbishop Henri Sanglier, and the building became the first Gothic cathedral in France. Pope Alexander III consecrated it in 1164, marking its arrival as a turning point in architectural development.
Culture
The cathedral houses stained glass windows spanning centuries, including one depicting the life of Thomas Becket. These windows tell religious stories and shape how light fills the interior space.
Practical
The site is accessible daily, though visitors should avoid times when religious services are taking place to explore without interruption. Audio guides and organized tours help visitors understand the architecture and contents more thoroughly.
Did you know?
The mausoleum of a French crown prince, father of the future King Louis XVI, rests within these walls. This royal connection makes the site an unusual burial place for high-born family members outside the traditional royal burial grounds.
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Musées de Sens
67 m
Town Hall
134 m
Sens market hall
138 m
Maison d'Abraham
234 m
Church of St. Pierre le Rond, Sens
248 m
Collège Stéphane-Mallarmé de Sens
261 m
Théâtre Municipal de Sens
275 m
Carmel of Sens
319 m
Hôtel de Vaudricourt
184 m
Tour de la Brèche in Sens
270 m
Agedincum
237 m
Hôtel, 9 rue Abélard
159 m
Maison, 5 rue du Tambour-d'Argent, Sens
194 m
Rempart de la Poterne de Sens
274 m
Maison, 12 rue Abélard
111 m
Maison, 46 du rue Général-Allix
216 m
Pipe organ (Sens, Yonne, Bourgogne, France)
0 m
Maison, Impasse Abraham, Rue Thénard
65 m
Immeuble, 66 rue Thénard
284 m
Maison, 58 du rue Général-Allix
216 m
Maison du Portail
268 m
Hôtel Le Fournier d'Yauville
150 m
Maison, 18 impasse de l'Épinglier
97 m
Église Réformée de Sens
174 m
Orangerie de l'archevêché de Sens
97 m
Maison, 14 rue Abélard
92 m
Ancien Hôtel de ville de Sens
220 m
Grande chapelle des archevêques de Sens
73 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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