Sens Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Sens, France
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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