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
I certainly don’t think I’d have guessed that! Not sure I’ve seen quite as many but I do love the Gothic style, so intricate and dramatic. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I was surprised I had seen that many, I certainly did not set out to.
I like Gothic cathedrals! I think Gothic is my favourite style:)
Your photos came out fabulous! I never thought about cathedral-counting…maybe I should start! Great post on #citytripping!