Yesterday I posed a little conundrum – what are there 170 of in Europe?
The answer is cathedrals with authentic gothic architecture – apologies if the question was a little too obtuse!
There are said to be seven characteristics of what makes a cathedral gothic style – great height/size, the flying buttress (to support the building weight), the pointed arch (to support the heavy ceiling), a vaulted ceiling, a light and airy interior, ornate decoration (especially around doors) and perhaps everybody’s favourite, the gargoyles.
By my reckoning I have seen 51 of them – the most recent examples being in Reims & Troyes in the Champagne & Ardennes regions in Northern France.
Both examples were stunning and as usual notoriously difficult to photograph in their majestic totality.
Describing fabulous architecture is not really my forte, so I will let the pictures do the talking. What I will say though is that I found the interior of Troyes Cathedral to be the most visually appealing that I have seen and in both cathedrals the stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings were awesome.
REIMS
Joan of Arc
TROYES
There’s something mystical about cathedrals, I’ve been to the one in Reims and I remember not wanting to leave it for a long while. You’ve captured it well. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
51 cathedrals – good going Wilbur! I agree! Cathedrals are really hard to photograph… especially if it is a sunny day. I’ve been to the one in Reims – although didn’t explore inside – I wish I had! Great pics. Thanks for sharing on #citytripping
Troyes really reminds me of the Cathedral in Bayeux – have you visted there before?
I have indeed and very splendid too- think I need to get to Chartres next….