Flèche de la cathédrale d'Amiens, Gothic cathedral spire in Amiens, France
The Aguja de la Catedral de Amiens is a Gothic spire that rises above the cathedral's transept crossing, dominating the city's skyline. It features a wooden core clad in lead and slate that soars above the surrounding choir roofs.
The original spire was destroyed by lightning in 1528 and replaced by the current structure, which was built starting in 1533. This new spire marked a turning point in French construction methods and displayed advanced techniques used by medieval craftsmen.
The interior framework reveals oak beams crafted by master carpenters, demonstrating the technical expertise of 16th-century French construction methods.
Visitors can reach the first external level of the spire, offering views of the city and the cathedral's slate roof below. The climb provides good perspectives on neighboring buildings and the surrounding urban landscape.
The internal mast is built from multiple oak trunks joined together through specialized techniques that ensure the structure's stability across centuries. This construction method was typical of high medieval building practices and allowed the structure to resist wind forces and environmental stress.
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