Reims Cathedral

The sheer magnitude of the immense western facade of Reims Cathedral is breathtaking. Magnificently carved triple portals sit between soaring towers reaching 267 feet into the sky. Built on the traditional coronation site of the kings of France, it sits alongside Chartre and Amiens as one of the finest examples of High Gothic design.

Laden with statues of martyrs and saints, the central portal is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, above which sits the magnificent rose window containing 13th century stained glass. As the facade reaches upwards, one can see the Gallery of the Kings with Clovis, the first Bishop of Reims holding centre stage.

As you step inside the cathedral, an immensely long nave stretches into the distance beneath a ribbed ceiling some 135 feet above. The profusion of fine sculptures threatens to be eclipsed by window after window of awesome stained glass. Not to be missed is a fine organ in a flamboyant Gothic case, a choir clock ornamented with curious mechanical figures and some fine tapestries.

Badly damaged during World War 1, the cathedral has been expertly restored and was fortunate not to sustain further damage during World War 2.

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