The most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France. Features of Gothic France, Gothic cathedrals of France

27.09.2019

", today we will look at the development and origin of Gothic directly in France.

So France, the province of Ile-de-France, is where Gothic art originally arose and developed. Much of this was due to the growth of cities, the strengthening of royal power and the power of the French state. Paris - main city The province of Ile-de-France, thanks to the flourishing of literature, science and crafts, has become the capital of European culture. This is what one of the contemporaries of that era called Ile-de-France: “The oven is where the spiritual bread of humanity is baked.”

Notre Dame de Paris - main cathedral Paris reflects the main features of Gothic architecture. The cathedral was founded in 1163, its construction lasted for centuries until the 14th century. Notre-Dame de Paris combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. The cathedral's massive towers belong to the Romanesque style, but the use of flying buttresses, buttresses, pointed arches and numerous windows are the main features of Gothic architecture.

The cathedral in Chartres is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The city of Chartres enjoyed the special patronage of King Louis IX, thanks to the precious relics of Our Lady located there. The king even donated a large rose window to the cathedral, and the stained glass windows were donated to the cathedral by the city's artisans. In addition to the huge number of stained glass windows, which occupied an area of more than two and a half thousand square meters, the cathedral was famous for its “royal portal,” which is a classic example of Gothic sculpture.

The cathedrals of Reims and Amiens are outstanding works of mature Gothic architecture. The Cathedral in Reims can rightfully be considered a majestic monument to royal power and power, because it was here that French kings were crowned. As for the cathedral in Amiens, it is famous for its impressive dimensions - 145 meters long and 42.5 meters high - it is the largest cathedral in France.

Confirmation of the magnificence and admiration of Gothic architecture are the words of art critic P. P. Gnedich: “These endlessly intertwined arcades and vaults seem to lead somewhere to another world. Everything strives for something higher, gigantic... on colossal pillars, air passages hanging over them; the vaults rise higher and higher; First of all there are bell towers, then more and more bell towers, and their sharp turrets seem to be lost in the clouds. Inside, under the vaults of pointed arches, an endless series of columns, passages, statues and tombs are shrouded in lace of elegant ornament... The highest manifestation of Gothicism, to which medieval architecture reached, can undoubtedly be called paradoxical. These are not buildings, these are some kind of jewelry works, interpreted on a colossal scale.”

XIV - XV centuries are the final period of medieval art in France. This period was called late, or as it is also called “flaming” Gothic.

I think it wouldn’t hurt to “walk” through the most beautiful Gothic buildings in France. Believe me, it's worth it!)

The Gothic style originated in France in the mid-12th century. The most significant works of the Gothic style in France are considered to be the cathedrals of Chartres, Amiens and Reims, but in general there are a huge number of monuments of the Gothic style left in France, from chapels to huge cathedrals. In the 15th century, the period of the so-called “flaming Gothic” began, from which only isolated examples have reached us, such as one of the portals of the Rouen Cathedral or the Saint-Jacques Tower in Paris.

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is the most famous monument city of Chartres, 90 km southwest of Paris. The cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings.

Churches have long stood on the site of the modern Chartres Cathedral. Since 876, the Holy Shroud of the Virgin Mary has been kept in Chartres.

Instead of the first cathedral, which burned down in 1020, was erected romanesque cathedral with a huge crypt. It survived the fire of 1134, which destroyed almost the entire city, but was badly damaged during the fire of June 10, 1194. From this fire, started by a lightning strike, only the towers with the western facade and the crypt survived. The miraculous salvation from the fire of the sacred shroud was considered a sign from above and served as the reason for the construction of a new, even more grandiose building.

The construction of the new cathedral began in the same 1194 with donations flocking to Chartres from all over France. City residents voluntarily delivered stone from surrounding quarries. The design of the previous building was taken as a basis, into which the surviving parts of the old building were inscribed. The main work, which included the construction of the main nave, was completed in 1220, the consecration of the cathedral took place on October 24, 1260 in the presence of King Louis IX and members of the royal family.

Chartres Cathedral has survived to this day almost untouched. It escaped destruction and robbery and was never restored or rebuilt.

A distinctive feature of the cathedral is that its two towers are very different from each other. The north tower has a typical ancient Gothic base (with buttresses and a small number of openings) and a Flamboyant Gothic spire, made somewhat later. The south tower, on the contrary, has a Gothic base and is crowned with a simpler spire.

Amiens Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the largest in France.

The previously existing Romanesque cathedral burned to the ground in 1218 in a fire caused by a lightning strike. But the small church located near the cathedral survived. It contained the relics of Saint Firmin, the first bishop of the city of Amiens, so the church could not be demolished until the completion of the construction of the new cathedral, where the relics of the saint were subsequently transferred.

According to the original plan, the cathedral towers were supposed to be built twice as wide and much higher than the existing ones. However, they were built only to half the designed height, as a result of which the towers barely rise above the roof of the cathedral. In 1366, the construction of a tent over the south tower began, and north tower was completed only at the beginning of the 15th century. Different in height and design, they give the facade of the cathedral an extraordinary picturesqueness.

Amiens Cathedral is beautiful from all sides. The slender tower canopy of the lantern above the middle cross enhances the overall impression of aspiration upward and emphasizes the height of the Gothic structure. Graceful light buttresses, topped with pinnacles, rise from the base of the cathedral to its roof.

During the French Revolution, when thousands of sculptures and reliefs were smashed, many cathedrals in France were damaged. However, thanks to the efforts of influential citizens of Amiens, who blocked the revolutionaries' access to the cathedral, losses there were minimal.

Despite the fact that many churches were built in the Gothic style both in France and in other European countries, it is the Amiens Cathedral that is one of the most daring, original and harmonious buildings of the Gothic church.

Reims Cathedral

Reims Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous examples of Gothic art in France due to its architecture and sculptural compositions. This is a classic example of High Gothic architecture at its peak.

The cathedral is world famous for the fact that from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, the coronations of almost all French monarchs took place here.

The cathedral in Reims has ancient history. The oldest cathedral building on this site dates back to 401. In the 9th century, construction of a new one began on the site of the dilapidated old temple. However, a huge fire in 1210 completely destroyed it. Then the third stage of construction began, as a result of which the majestic structure appeared, which has survived to this day.

The two 80-meter towers of the western façade of Reims Cathedral are the tallest in France. They could have been even higher, since it was originally planned to crown them with high tents with spiers, but this plan did not come true. In addition, they wanted to build five more towers, but this plan was also not implemented.

A special feature of Reims Cathedral is the sculptures that made it famous. More than five hundred figures are presented in the “Gallery of Kings” alone. Most of they were created in the 13th century. These are sculptural images of saints, bishops, knights, kings, and artisans. Reims Cathedral is often called the “Cathedral of Angels” because of the many sculptures depicting them. The most famous figure is the smiling angel above the northern portal. Reims Cathedral suffered greatly during the French Revolution. Even more severe damage was caused to the cathedral during the First World War. Complete restoration work was completed only in 1996.

Today, the majestic and at the same time harmonious cathedral continues to be a wonderful monument of French Gothic, whose sculptures served as a model for other churches in France, Italy and Spain.

Rouen Cathedral

Rouen Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most important monuments of Gothic architecture in France. The massive walls of the cathedral run along the entire Rue San Romano, one of the most prestigious in medieval Rouen. .

Any, even the most modest camera, easily and naturally conveys all the beauty and power of this incredible structure, which has inspired writers and artists of various calibers for centuries. People against the background of the cathedral look small, like worms. Massive entrance doors they seem tiny, like holes punched by a nail in a canvas.

The cathedral suffered greatly during the war. Before landing in Normandy, the Allies carried out carpet bombing for the whole night. One of the side towers collapsed and damaged the supporting columns. In theory, the cathedral should have collapsed and crumbled into dust, but it miraculously survived. The renovation took twelve years. In 2000, either the same or a different tower collapsed again. This happened at five in the morning, and the cathedral, fortunately, was empty, otherwise disaster would have happened. Of course, such an ancient structure has to be constantly monitored.

Rouen Cathedral is over 800 years old. The central tower with a spire is 70 meters deep from the facade - it is located exactly in the spatial center of the cathedral, which is very unusual.

Two towers overlook the square in front of the façade of the cathedral: the left one, built in the 12th-15th centuries, and the right one, dating from 1506, which was built in just 20 years. This later style, with many fine details and a complicated form, is called “flaming Gothic”.

Interior decoration cathedral

The right tower was nicknamed the Olive Tower due to its yellower color. Despite the fact that there is more than enough limestone in Normandy, the stone for the Tower of Olives was brought from Wells. In addition to the color, there is another explanation for the name of the tower: according to legend, the money for its construction was taken from the proceeds from the sale of indulgences. And the church sold the most indulgences for violating the rules of Lent. The people of Rouen loved to eat butter and did not deny themselves this pleasure even on days of fasting. In addition, the heads of wealthy families had to shell out for indulgences for all household members.

The central spire was added later than all others in the mid-19th century. Its height is 151 meters.

Gustav Flaubert, being a native of Rouen, lived in this city the most significant period of his life. In particular, “Madame Bovary” was written in Rouen. He observed the construction of the spire and expressed himself sarcastically in the sense that such architecture was the whim of an enraged steam boiler manufacturer. Up close, the spire really looks too technologically advanced, but that doesn’t make it any less original.

Tower Saint-Jacques

The Tower of Saint-Jacques is the surviving bell tower of the grand church of Saint-Jacques de la Boucherie, destroyed during the revolution (in 1797). From this beautiful-sounding name it is clear that it was dedicated to St. James (meaning the apostle) and that it was built with money from the butchers’ guild (“bushri” - butcher shop). In England this apostle is called St. James, in Spain - Santiago. Catholic tradition believes that it was in Spain, in the church of the same name in Santiago de Compostella, that this saint was buried.

The church served as a gathering place for pilgrims following the Way of Saint James to their final destination - the tomb of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The church was rebuilt in the 16th century, changing the style from Romanesque to Gothic, and at the same time a bell tower was added to it - the current Saint-Jacques Tower.

The church, declared public property, was sold by the revolutionary government and dismantled for a profitable product - stones - in 1797. The bell tower was leased to a master for casting hunting shot: molten lead, falling from a 50-meter height through a special grate, solidified into small balls in placed barrels of water.

The names of two great people are associated with the Saint-Jacques Tower: Nicolas Flamel and Blaise Pascal. Nicolas Flamel was spoken of as the only alchemist who understood the secret of the philosopher's stone and learned to turn lead into gold. He made a pilgrimage to Spain from here, and was buried in de la Boucherie, which was later demolished. In 1648, the French scientist Blaise Pascal measured atmospheric pressure at the Saint-Jacques Tower. The French paid tribute to Pascal by erecting a statue of him in the tower; There are also 19 statues of various saints preserved in the niches of the tower. Since 1981, a weather station has been installed on the tower and in the park.

Looking closely, you can see that the corners of the tower are completed by figures symbolizing the evangelists: an eagle, a lion, a calf and - the tallest - an angel. After the revolutionary plunder, the church was restored only in 1854, i.e. already during the Second Empire. Her fate could have turned out differently. Hugo in “Notre Dame Cathedral” (published in 1831) wrote: “For several days now, the tower of the Church of Saint-Jacques de la Boucherie has been covered with scaffolding, and next morning a pickaxe will start working there.” Apparently, in those days churches were not blown up, but dismantled. We saved building materials...

Rich cultural and historical heritage France makes the country interesting in terms of tourism different directions. Gothic architecture– one of the important factors in attracting guests to the country. Cathedrals designed in this style do not stand out from modern buildings; on the contrary, they emphasize the advantages of their surroundings.

Almost all of them are associated with important milestones the formation of the state, the formation of cities in the form in which they are known and loved now. Traditionally, the external features of Gothic religious buildings are complemented by corresponding interior decoration. Even without the initial goal of visiting a couple of cathedrals, it is difficult to remain indifferent when passing by and not make a stop for at least a short acquaintance with the world of Gothic architecture.

The most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France

Gothic style in France. Features of the architecture of temples and churches, photos and descriptions!

Reims Cathedral

Named after the city where it is located. Built in the 12th century. One of the tallest cathedrals, the towers reach a height of 80 m. It was the site of the coronation of most French monarchs. IN this moment Restoration is underway, which does not interfere with tourist activities. Some elements of the cathedral's decoration (statues, tapestries, etc.), partially damaged during World War II, are collected in a separate room.

Rouen Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Its individual parts were built in different centuries, the oldest is the northern tower, dated 1145. All that remained of it were the walls after World War II. The cathedral suffered many times from raids, fires, and bad weather. Each time, the damaged parts of the facade were restored. The interior decoration is emphatically strict, without unnecessary details. There are ancient statues.

Notre Dame Cathedral

It is not only a landmark, but also an active religious site. Located in Paris, founded in 1163. The weddings of monarchs, the transfer of power, and funeral services on a national scale took place here. Cathedral Square is rich in iconic places: kilometer zero, prefecture, Crypt of the Notre Dame porch, where archaeological artifacts found during excavations near the cathedral are exhibited.

Church of Saint-Wulfran in Abbeville

Founded in 1488. Another religious building was previously located on this site. For some time the church was only a historical monument, but eventually services began to be held again in 1998. The height of the bell tower is almost 56 m. There are only three floors, the first has the usual high ceilings. There are also three chapels with personalized richly decorated altars and a mausoleum.

Chartres Cathedral

Located in the city of Chartres, founded in 1145. A rare religious building that has been preserved unchanged and without major restoration work. 10 thousand sculptures and other elements made of stone and glass make up the decoration of the cathedral. The north and south towers are very different in height and overall style. A special relic is the shroud of the Virgin Mary. Another feature is the astronomical clock from the 16th century.

Tours Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Gatian of Tours)

Named after the city where it is the main attraction. Construction began in 1170. The full name includes the name of Saint Gatian, the first bishop of Tours. Although the façade towers appear symmetrical from a distance, their heights vary: 68 m and 69 m respectively. Since there used to be another temple here, and later changes were made, the cathedral has some features of the Romanesque era and the Renaissance.

Amiens Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name, it bears the name of the Mother of God. Built in the first half to mid-13th century. Representative of pure Gothic. The height of the vault is more than 42 m. The interior is designed in such a way as to visually expand the space, make it lighter and indivisible into sectors. The decoration uses many sculptural elements. Including wood.

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral

Located in the Auvergne region, it is named after the Ascension of the Virgin Mary. Founded in 1248. The dark, almost black building contrasts greatly with the buildings around it and, due to its size and location on the top of the hill, it can be seen from anywhere. Antique sarcophagi, frescoes of the Middle Ages, valuable liturgical objects, unique elements of wall decoration are the features of the cathedral.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Orleans

Construction began in 1601. It was rebuilt and reconstructed many times. During World War II it was slightly damaged, but the main bell fell into disrepair. It was replaced with a new one in 2012. Excavations were carried out in the surrounding area to learn more about the stages of the formation of the cathedral. It is indirectly connected with the story of Joan of Arc, who visited him during the siege of the city.

Evreux Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Construction began in the 11th century. The current appearance took shape later: the first cathedral burned down twice and was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Through a covered gallery, the cathedral is connected to the palace of the bishops. After restoration, the bell tower returned to its original location. The interiors contrast with each other: for example, the nave is made in the Romanesque style, and the choir is Gothic.

Abbey of Saint Denis

Located in the commune of the same name. Founded in the 12th century. During the existence of religious buildings on this site, 25 French monarchs were buried here. Some of the tombs were destroyed, some were reburied, but then returned to Saint-Denis. Some of the bones of the kings and members of their families ended up in the abbey's ossuary. Since 2004, the heart of Louis XVII, who never ascended the throne, has been buried here.

Metz Cathedral

Located in the city of Metz. It has a second name - St. Stephen's Cathedral. Founded in 1240. Its base is a Romanesque church, to which a nave was added. Later there were choirs and a transverse nave. A bulky building with many pointed columns and narrow towers stands on the square of arms. The cathedral is famous for its wide painted stained glass windows. 19 of them were made by the artist Chagall.

Nevers Cathedral

Located in the Nièvre department. Founded in the 10th century. It has a number of other names, for example, Ser-Sir Cathedral. The current appearance is a symbiosis of styles and the consequences of reconstructions. The western elevations, choirs, façade walls are Romanesque, the nave is Gothic, the façade towers are late Gothic. Each window has a unique painting. Stained glass windows, as well as other decoration elements, belong to different historical periods.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Construction began in 1015. For more than a hundred years it was a Lutheran cathedral. The attraction is the astronomical clock. They are decorated with all kinds of figures and ornaments. They have many additional functions. The square in front of the cathedral is a venue for concerts in the summer. The walls are illuminated in different colors, changing to the tone of the music.

Notre Dame in Laon

The first temple was built here in the 8th century. Later a building in the Romanesque style appeared. With the development of the city, it became necessary to expand it. There were more Gothic features: nave, transept, choir. The difference between this Notre Dame and cathedrals in other cities: light walls, as local limestone was used, and galleries on the sides. The small choirs are also unusual; their rectangular shape is typical of English architecture.

Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul in Nantes

The first stone was laid in 1434. Before this, three churches alternately existed here. Construction lasted for more than 450 years. Gradually, Gothic elements absorbed Romanesque features. The walls of the building are almost snow-white. The cathedral is associated with the legend of Bluebeard and the stories of d'Ardagnan. Of particular value is the double tombstone of representatives of the house of Dreux - a masterpiece of French sculpture.

Cathedral of Saint-Louis in Blois

Founded in 1544. Has features of classicism. It was built in stages over three centuries. One of the chapels was built back in the 12th century, i.e. to the Saint-Louis bookmark. At the same time it functioned. The historical stained glass windows did not survive and were replaced with copies in 2000. The crypt contains the sarcophagi of each of the local bishops. A nearby attraction is the Blois Castle.

St. Peter's Cathedral in Beauvais

Founded in 1225. Its Gothic choirs are the highest in existence. Giving the cathedral an impressive appearance was one of the architects' goals. On the site of its nave is a Romanesque church. The south façade is a classic example of late Gothic architecture. The interior and façade decoration have their own peculiarities: carved wooden doors, richly detailed astronomical clocks, stained glass windows, tapestries of the Middle Ages.

Cathedral of Saints Justus and Pastor

Construction began in 1272 in Narbonne. The building is listed as unfinished, although services have been held here for centuries. Its grayish-brown walls fit perfectly into the architecture of the city with dense streets. Each of the chapels is different in some way: a special altar, a sculptural composition, a collection of paintings on religious themes, objects for the liturgy, etc.

Bourges Cathedral

Located in Bourges. It was consecrated in 1324, although it continued to be completed. There is no transept, which is atypical for such churches: it does not have a cruciform shape. Since the cathedral was almost not damaged during wars and revolutions, 22 original stained glass windows have been preserved. The crypt contains ancient tombstones in perfect condition. And the astronomical clock has not stopped for more than 500 years.

Abbey Saint-Ouen

Located in Rouen. Founded in 553, it was rebuilt and restored many times. Gothic features appeared in the 14th century. Some of the abbey's buildings were used for other purposes: in one the city hall, in another a factory. The premises are now used for performances by classical musicians and exhibitions. In the gardens nearby there is a pond with a sculptural composition and a copy of a rune stone.

Basilica of Saint-Nicolas de Port

Founded in 1481. The city at that time was called Por. It was built in honor of Lorraine gaining independence. The temple was re-consecrated by Pope Pius XII, after which it became a basilica. After World War II, restoration took 15 years, including replacing almost all the stained glass windows. For almost 200 years it has officially been historical monuments France.

Tula Cathedral (Tula)

Construction began in the 13th century. The façade is entirely Gothic, but subsequently two chapels dating back to the Renaissance period appeared. During the revolution and World War II, some elements of the decoration were lost, including the roof and organ. There was a monastery nearby. Religious events are not held, a popular tourist destination.

Cathedral of Saint Cecilia in Albi

Founded in 1282. One of the largest brick buildings in the world. It was originally planned to use it as a fortress. The bell tower and the Gate of Dominic of Florence were built nearby. The nave is the widest in the country. Small chapels lined up replaced the classical aisles in the interior. The entrance was moved to the south side, although in Gothic it is usually located in the west.

Cathedral in Saint-Paul-de-Leon

Located in Brittany. Construction in its current form began in the 12th century; before that, there was a ancient church. The choir and asp appeared much later than the founded part of the cathedral. The gargoyles on the facade have an unusual appearance. The baptistery is made primarily of oak. The altars of each of the chapels are works of art. The stained glass windows show various scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.

Basilica of Saint Michael in Bordeaux

Construction began in the 14th century. Thanks to the bell tower, it is one of the tallest cathedrals in France - 114 m. Works of art from different centuries are collected here, including the Pietà with the image of Saint Ursula. The local crypt is an independent exhibition hall for sarcophagi and remains found during archaeological excavations nearby.

Church of Saint-Eustache

Located in Paris. Founded in 1532. The façade is made primarily in the classicism style, complemented by the Renaissance, and the Gothic style can be seen in the details. interior decoration. The crypt contains the remains of Tiberio Fiorilli, a theater actor who lived in the 17th century. The pride of the church is the organ of 8 thousand pipes. Elements of old tools were used in its assembly. Organ concerts are regularly held here.

Dijon Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Built at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th centuries. Pope Eugene III took part in the consecration of the temple that stood here earlier. The crypt contains the remains of Philip III and part of the relics of Saint Venignus, in whose honor the cathedral is named official name. Asceticism prevails in the decoration: less decor than usual. The height of the choir and nave, coupled with stained glass windows, visually increase the space.

Notre Dame de Senlis

Located in the center of Senlis. Built in the second half of the 12th century. Since then, only the dome has undergone major alterations, although additional decorative elements appeared until the 18th century. Light limestone was used for the walls. The height of the bell tower is 78 m. An important detail of the interior decoration is the original paintings of the walls and ceilings. Such frescoes are atypical not only for modern times, but also for that time.

Rodez Cathedral

Located in the city of Rodez. First mentioned in 516. In the past, one of its walls was part of the city wall. The new cathedral began to be rebuilt in the 13th century. The process was extended due to plague, fires and wars. Although it took centuries to complete the work, the style remains the same. The bell tower is the most modern of the buildings in the composition. It is decorated with a statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by four angels.

Gothic architecture in France is an architectural style that was widespread throughout the territory modern France from the 40s of the 12th century to the beginning of the 16th century, when it was replaced by the Renaissance. Originating in the center of the country, the Gothic style quickly spread throughout France and beyond. The skill of architects reached its peak in the middle of the 13th century, after which development proceeded through the use of applied crafts, in particular stone processing.

Gothic as a French style became a role model in most countries of Western and Central Europe, in which it acquired features characteristic of their architectural traditions.

Separate architectural monuments in the Gothic style or historical ensembles including Gothic buildings, mainly cathedrals, were included in the List of objects World Heritage UNESCO in France.
Here's a quick overview. Pay attention to the generalities, when it is impossible to understand at first glance which specific cathedral is in the photograph, and to the differences, by which it is still easy to recognize what kind of cathedral is in front of you... Individual sculptures and even sculptural groups are particularly difficult to identify .

CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME OF PARIS - NOTRE DAME de PARIS.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 on the site where a Roman pagan temple stood, by order and with the blessing of Pope Alexander III. Construction lasted for two whole centuries. According to the plans of the Pope, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was supposed to outshine all other similar buildings that already existed on Earth with its beauty.
The dimensions of Notre Dame Cathedral are stunning at first glance: length - 130 m, width - 48 m, height - 35 m, height of the western facade - 43 m, width of the western facade - 41 m, weight of the Emanuel bell - 13 tons. You can enter the cathedral through the portal of Our Lady, which is decorated with an elaborate composition consisting of statues of monarchs and saints. Tall lancet windows add lightness to the cathedral. The west rose window is a symbol of the Virgin Mary. She is surrounded by Old Testament characters. In the center of the stained glass window is a medallion that shimmers in red and blue. The medallion symbolizes the Virgin Mary. The south window is dedicated to Christ.

The main or central nave of Notre Dame de Paris is located opposite the portal of the Last Judgment, surrounded by columns. The height of the central nave is amazing. The long presbytery (altar part) is separated from the rest of the cathedral by a stone partition.

Today, only its fragments, decorated with reliefs of famous gospel scenes, which date back to the 14th century, have been preserved. The presbytery contains the bishop's throne and seats for honored guests, decorated with Baroque carvings. The real decoration of the cathedral are: the Pieta, the sculpture of the Virgin and Child, the expressive “May” painting of Charles Lebrun...
To get to the top of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, you need to climb 387 steps, after passing through the wide fifteen-meter buttress arches into the gallery that stretches along the two western towers. The gallery railings are decorated, or intimidated, by mascarons (convex stucco ornaments in the form of a mask or human face).

The outer part of the cathedral is decorated with various chimeras and gargoyles.

If you managed to overcome all these obstacles, then you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Paris that opened before you from the heights of Notre Dame Cathedral. Who knows, maybe the events of the immortal novel of the great Victor Hugo came to him precisely at that moment when he, having climbed to the roof of Notre Dame de Paris, looked at the capital of France from a bird's eye view...

The roof of Notre Dame Cathedral - from here you can clearly see another symbol of Paris and France - the Eiffel Tower.
There are many legends associated with the cathedral. For example, according to one of them, the Emmanuel bell was cast in 1600 from jewelry donated to the cathedral by women in order to obtain a unique ringing. But the cathedral gained its fame in our country thanks to Victor Hugo.

CHARTRES CATHEDRAL

Chartres Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is the most famous monument of the city of Chartres, 90 km southwest of Paris. The cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings.

Churches have long stood on the site of the modern Chartres Cathedral. Since 876, the Holy Shroud of the Virgin Mary has been kept in Chartres.

Instead of the first cathedral, which burned down in 1020, a Romanesque cathedral with a huge crypt was erected. It survived the fire of 1134, which destroyed almost the entire city, but was badly damaged during the fire of June 10, 1194. From this fire, which was started by a lightning strike, only the towers with the western facade and the underground chapel (crypt) survived. The miraculous salvation from the fire of the sacred shroud was considered a sign from above and served as the reason for the construction of a new, even more grandiose building.

This new cathedral has survived to this day almost untouched. It escaped destruction and robbery and was never restored or rebuilt.

A distinctive feature of the cathedral is that its two towers are very different from each other. The north tower has a typical Gothic base (with buttresses and a small number of openings) and a Flamboyant Gothic spire, made somewhat later. The south tower, on the contrary, has a Gothic base and is crowned with a simpler spire.

AMIENS CATHEDRAL.

Amiens Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the largest in France.

According to the original plan, the cathedral towers were supposed to be built twice as wide and much higher than the existing ones. However, they were built only to half the designed height, as a result of which the towers barely rise above the roof of the cathedral. In 1366, the construction of a tent over the southern tower began, and the northern tower was completed only at the beginning of the 15th century. Different in height and design, they give the facade of the cathedral an extraordinary picturesqueness.

ROUEN CATHEDRAL

Any, even the most modest camera, easily and naturally conveys all the beauty and power of this incredible structure, which has inspired writers and artists of various calibers for centuries. People against the background of the cathedral look small, like worms. Massive entrance doors seem tiny, like holes punched with a nail in a canvas.

Rouen Cathedral is over 800 years old. The central tower with a spire is 70 meters deep from the facade - it is located exactly in the spatial center of the cathedral, which is very unusual.

Interior of the cathedral

The right tower was nicknamed the Olive Tower due to its yellower color. Despite the fact that there is more than enough limestone in Normandy, the stone for the Tower of Olives was brought from Wells. In addition to the color, there is another explanation for the name of the tower: according to legend, the money for its construction was taken from the proceeds from the sale of indulgences. And the church sold the most indulgences for violating the rules of Lent. The people of Rouen loved butter and did not deny themselves this pleasure even on days of fasting. In addition, the heads of wealthy families had to pay for indulgences for all household members.

The central spire was added later than all others in the mid-19th century. Its height is 151 meters.

The famous artist Claude Monet glorified the cathedral by creating a series of views of the cathedral at different times of the day.

And finally, the already well-known Rheims CATHEDRAL

The cathedral is world famous for the fact that from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, the coronations of almost all French monarchs took place here.

The cathedral in Reims has an ancient history. The oldest cathedral building on this site dates back to 401. In the 9th century, construction of a new one began on the site of the dilapidated old temple. However, a huge fire in 1210 completely destroyed it. Then the third stage of construction began, as a result of which the majestic structure appeared, which has survived to this day.

A special feature of Reims Cathedral is the sculptures that made it famous. More than five hundred figures are presented in the “Gallery of Kings” alone. There are about 2000 sculptures in total. Most of them were created in the 13th century. These are sculptural images of saints, bishops, knights, kings, and artisans. Reims Cathedral is often called the “Cathedral of Angels” because of the many sculptures depicting them. Reims Cathedral was heavily damaged during the French Revolution. Even more severe damage was caused to the cathedral during the First World War. Complete restoration work was completed only in 1996. I'm lucky. I was there in 1997.

Today, the majestic and at the same time harmonious cathedral continues to be a wonderful monument of French Gothic, whose sculptures served as a model for other churches in France, Italy and Spain.

So what are the common features and which belong to specific cathedrals? I hope it’s not too weak to answer! Go for it!

The Birth of Gothic

Gothic originated in Northern France in the middle XII century. And reached its peak in the first half of the 13th century. Its emergence was due to the formation of the city as an independent political and economic force and the new needs of urban life; The rapid development of French Gothic was facilitated by the national upsurge associated with the beginning of the unification of the country.

Stone Gothic cathedrals, which received their classical form in France, became symbols of the centralized kingdom and the independence of growing cities. The interior is unusually high and spacious, illuminated by the colored light of stained-glass windows: rows of slender pillars, the powerful rise of pointed pointed arches, the rapid rhythm of the arches of the upper gallery (triforium) give rise to a feeling of uncontrollable movement upward and forward, towards the altar; the contrast of the high, light main nave with the semi-dark side naves creates a picturesque richness of aspects, a feeling of the infinity of space.

The structural basis of the cathedral is a frame of pillars (in mature Gothic, taking the form of a bunch of columns) and pointed arches resting on them. The structure of the building consists of rectangular cells (grasses), delimited by 4 pillars and 4 arches, which, together with diagonally intersecting ribs (ribs), form the skeleton of a cross vault, filled with lightweight formwork. The lateral thrust of the vault is transmitted by connecting oblique arches (flying buttresses) to powerful external pillars (buttresses). The walls, freed from the load, were cut through with arched windows in the spaces between the pillars.

Taking it outside structural elements, neutralizing the expansion of the vault, made it possible to create a feeling of lightness and spatial freedom of the interior, the rapid ascension of its verticals, moderated by inter-tier divisions. In turn, the naked structures surrounding the cathedral from the south, east and north (and not visible either in the interior or from the facade) impress with their visual expression of the action of tectonic forces and the power of their rhythm. Two-tower western facades of French cathedrals with three deep “perspective” portals and patterned round window(“rose”) in the center combine upward aspiration with clarity and balance of articulations.

On the facades, pointed arches and architectural and plastic motifs vary endlessly - openwork pediments (vimpergi), turrets (vials), scrolls (crabbs), etc. Rows of statues on consoles in front of the columns of the portals and in the upper arched gallery, reliefs on the plinths and in The tympanums of the portals form an integral symbolic system, which includes characters and episodes of the Holy Scriptures, allegorical images. The entire decor is rhythmically organized and strictly subordinated to architectural divisions. This determines the tectonics and proportions of the statues, the solemnity of their poses, and the restraint of their gestures.

The best statues on the facades of cathedrals (Reims, Amiens, Strasbourg, transept portals in Chartres) are imbued with spiritual beauty, sincerity and humanity of feeling. Other parts of the building were also decorated with reliefs, statues, floral patterns, and images of fantastic animals (“chimeras”); characterized by an abundance of secular motifs (scenes of the work of artisans and peasants, grotesque and satirical images). The themes of the stained glass windows were also varied, the palette of which was dominated by red, blue and yellow tones.

France. Gothic in France

From the end of the 12th century. France becomes the center of European education. The University of Paris soon took one of the leading places in scientific life Europe. In the field of architecture and fine arts France also belongs the main role. In the 13th century. There are 300 workshops in Paris. The main customer of works of art is no longer the church, but cities, merchant guilds, guild corporations and the king. The main type of building, in turn, becomes not the monastery church, but the city cathedral.

Since the 14th century City and monastery churches of the hall type (with equal heights of naves), castle and palace chapels became increasingly important. All of them are small and simple in plan, but complex, sometimes curvilinear patterns of ribs spread along their arches ("mesh", "honeycomb", "star-shaped", etc.). The whimsical pattern of window frames, reminiscent of flames, is also characteristic of late (“flaming”) Gothic (the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, 1434-70).

Pierre Robin, 1434-1470) is the standard of late, or “flaming Gothic”. The western facade of the church is distinguished by carved doors by Jean Goujon with images of biblical scenes. Just behind the Church of St. Maclou is one of the main attractions of Rouen - the cemetery of Saint-Maclou - a rare example of medieval burials of plague victims.

The importance of secular urban architecture is increasing, in which not so much the design features of Gothic were used, but rather its compositional and decorative techniques: on main square In cities, town halls are built with abundant decoration and often with a tower (town hall in Saint-Quentin, 1351-1509), castles are turned into palaces richly decorated inside (Palace of the Popes in Avignon, 1334-52; Pierrefonds Castle, 1390-1420), mansions are built ( "hotels") of wealthy townspeople (house of Jacques Coeur in Bourges, 1443-1451). Stone sculpture on the facades of temples was replaced by altars in the interiors, combining painted and gilded wooden sculpture and tempera painting on wooden boards.

The French Basilica of Saint-Denis (Basilique Saint-Denis) is a real work of architectural art, the pearl of France among cathedrals and the spiritual stronghold of the entire nation

France, especially its center Ile de France, is rightfully considered the cradle of Gothic art. Back in the 12th century. (1137-1151) during the reconstruction of the church Saint Denis here the rib vault (circumference and chapels) was used for the first time.

The most big temple the early Gothic period was Notre Dame Cathedral- The five-nave temple could accommodate up to 9,000 people. The design of Notre Dame Cathedral clearly shows the basic principles of Gothic architecture: the ribbed lancet vault of the central nave, 35 m high, lancet windows, flying buttresses. But all that remains of the ponderous Romanesque architecture are the massive surface of the walls, the squat pillars of the central nave, the predominance of horizontal divisions, heavy towers, and restrained sculptural decoration.

Chartres Cathedral(1194-1260) is an example of the transition to mature Gothic and the combination of facades from different periods. The “Royal Portal” of the western facade belongs to the first half of the 12th century, at the beginning of the 13th century. the southern tower was completed, the northern one was completed in the 14th century, the interior is Gothic.

A brilliant example of mature French Gothic - Cathedral in Reims(1212-1311). In the appearance of the Reims Cathedral one can see a desire for verticalism of all lines, which enhances literally a whole “forest” of pinnacles and wimpergs (even the “rose” on the facade has a pointed end). The entire western façade is entirely decorated with sculpture; the stone has acquired an openwork appearance, truly reminiscent of lace. Note, however, that unlike late Gothic, this “lace” does not hide the structure of the building.

Amiens Cathedral in the center of Picardy is one of the largest "classical" Gothic churches of the 13th century. The cathedral is distinguished by the integrity of its plan, the beauty of its three-tiered interior and, in particular, the wonderful collection of sculpture on the main façade and in the south transept.

The largest and tallest Gothic cathedral in France - Amiens. Its length is 145 m, the height of the vault of the central nave is 42.5. Amiens Cathedral was built over 40 years, from 1218 to 1258, by Robert de Luzarch, Thomas de Cormont and Renaud de Cormont. Amiens Cathedral is often called the "Gothic Parthenon".

By the middle of the 13th century. the scale of construction in France is weakening. At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries. the construction of cathedrals was experiencing a crisis: architectural forms became drier, decor became more abundant, statues acquired the same emphasized bend and standard sweetness. At the same time, new, diverse artistic forms that do not pretend to be universal arise; they reflected the growing self-awareness of the burghers, who sought to create their own culture, and the aristocracy of the feudal nobility, the increasing sophistication of court life. The last remarkable Gothic creation of this period is the chapel of Louis IX (in the heart of Paris, on the Ile de la Cité), the “holy chapel (chapel)” Saint Chapelle(1243-1248). Its builder is Pierre de Montreau. The single-nave chapel has two tiers: on the lower floor there is the chapel of the Mother of God, in the upper storage there is a reliquary with the crown of thorns of Christ.

Since the 14th century period begins late Gothic, in France it lasts two centuries (XIV-XV centuries). The 15th century in Gothic architecture is also called flaming gothic. In late Gothic art, a new emotional structure of images developed: mannered stylization and expression, exalted drama, and a predilection for scenes of suffering depicted with cruel naturalness. At the same time, secular paintings appeared (Palace of the Popes in Avignon, XIV-XV centuries), a portrait ("John the Good", circa 1360), and in miniatures of liturgical books and especially books of hours of noble persons ("Small Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry", circa 1380-85) there is a desire for the spiritualized humanity of images, for the transmission of life observations, space and volume. The best examples of French Gothic art include small ivory sculpture, silver reliquaries, Limoges champlevé enamel, tapestries and carved furniture. Late Gothic buildings are overloaded with decoration, complex decorative carvings and intricate patterns of ribs (Cathedral in Rouen, XIV-XV centuries).

Of the Gothic monasteries, it is especially famous Abbey of Mont Saint Michel near the border of Normandy and Brittany, located on a high cliff like an impregnable fortress.

Feudal castles at the end of the 13th century. were built only with the permission of the king, in the 14th century. this generally becomes the privilege of the king and his entourage; luxuriously decorated palaces appear in castle complexes. Castles are gradually turning into pleasure residences and hunting chateaus.

But urban construction (town halls, workshop buildings, residential buildings) is not decreasing. A private house (XV century) has been preserved - this mansion of the banker of King Charles VII Jacques Coeur in the city of Bourges.

Gothic is the heyday of monumental sculpture, in which the importance of statuary sculpture increases, although the figures are not free from the background of the wall. Increasingly, the figure is posed according to the so-called "gothic curve"(S-pose, from the Latin letter “S”): medieval art gives its paraphrase to the Greek chiasmus. In relief, there is a tendency towards high relief - high relief. A certain canon of composition is developed, certain subjects are intended for certain places in the building. Thus, in the altar part scenes from the life of Christ are depicted, on the southern facade of the transept - the New Testament, on the northern - the Old, on the western facade there is always an image of the “Last Judgment” and the “end of the world”. An example of early Gothic is the sculpture of the western facade of Notre Dame Cathedral (1210-1225); the story of Mary, “The Passion of Christ”, “The Last Judgment”. The facades of the transept were decorated already in the High Gothic period.

IN Chartres Cathedral one can trace the evolution from early Gothic sculpture to the mature Gothic period. Thus, the western façade is decorated with pillar-shaped, vertically elongated, static figures standing in strictly frontal poses. Gradually the sculpture separates from the wall and acquires a rounded volume. But even with the constraint of the poses, with the laconicism of the forms, one is struck by the expressiveness of the plasticity, the restrained grandeur of the images, sometimes even the individualization of the appearance appears (St. Jerome, St. George, St. Martin of the portal of the southern facade of the transept). In Chartres, not only different artels, but different generations of craftsmen worked for many decades.

From the second half of the 13th century. The plasticity of the cathedrals becomes more dynamic, the figures become more mobile, the folds of clothing are conveyed in a complex play of chiaroscuro. The images are sometimes executed with true perfection, with admiration for the beauty of a person. It is no coincidence that, for example, Christ blessing on the western facade Amiens Cathedral called the beautiful God. In such scenes as the seasons and the signs of the zodiac, real-life observations increasingly make themselves felt (Amiens Cathedral).

The highest point of flowering of Gothic sculpture is the decoration Reims Cathedral. Joseph from the “Bringing into the Temple” scene and the angel from the “Annunciation” resemble secular people, full of earthly joys. In the images of Mary and Elizabeth (“Meeting of Mary with Elizabeth,” 1225-1240), echoes of ancient art are clear. Late Gothic sculpture, as well as the architecture of this time, is characterized by fragmentation and fragmentation of forms (for example, the so-called “Gilded Madonna” of the Amiens Cathedral, around 1270), but in it there is an undoubted interest in portrait images, which is generally not typical French medieval art.

Light and lace of French Gothic. Rouen Cathedral (inside)