Amiens Cathedral in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
La cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens (Université de Picardie Jules Verne ) (only in French)
Mapping Gothic France - Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Amiens
Amiens, la cathédrale en couleur (in French)
cathedrale-amiens.monuments-nationaux.fr
Amiens Cathedral Project (Columbia University)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1981
Size of heritage: 1.54 ha
- Buffer zone: 115 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 2,302°
Latitude: 49,895°

Summary

Amiens Cathedral, in the heart of Picardy, is one of the largest 'classic' Gothic churches of the 13th century. It is notable for the coherence of its plan, the beauty of its three-tier interior elevation and the particularly fine display of sculptures on the principal facade and in the south transept.

Location on Map

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Amiens Cathedral: A Testament to Gothic Architecture

Amiens Cathedral, located in the Department of Somme in the Picardie Region of France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its soaring spires and intricate details, the cathedral is not only a religious symbol but also a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of medieval builders.

History

The construction of Amiens Cathedral began in 1220 and was completed in 1270. It was commissioned by Bishop Evrard de Fouilloy, who sought to create a grand cathedral that would rival the nearby cathedrals of Chartres and Reims. The cathedral was built on the site of a previous Romanesque church, which had been destroyed by fire.

During the Middle Ages, Amiens Cathedral served as an important pilgrimage site due to its possession of the head of John the Baptist. Pilgrims from all over Europe flocked to the cathedral to pay homage to this relic, contributing to the cathedral's fame and wealth.

Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent several modifications and restorations. In the 19th century, architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc oversaw a major restoration project, ensuring the preservation of the cathedral's original features while also adding some new elements.

Architecture

Amiens Cathedral is renowned for its impressive dimensions. It stands at a height of 42 meters and stretches over 145 meters in length, making it one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France. The cathedral's façade is adorned with three intricately carved portals, depicting scenes from the Bible and various saints.

Inside, the cathedral features a stunning nave with soaring vaulted ceilings and a series of impressive stained glass windows. The windows, dating back to the 13th century, depict biblical stories and saints, allowing natural light to create a mesmerizing atmosphere within the cathedral.

The cathedral's most famous feature is its labyrinth, a circular pattern etched into the floor. Originally used as a symbolic representation of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the labyrinth now serves as a popular attraction for visitors.

Current State

Today, Amiens Cathedral continues to be an active place of worship, hosting regular religious services and ceremonies. It also attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Rue Paul Tellier 29
80000 Amiens
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Videos from the area

Retrospective ferroviaire gare d'Amiens

Published: May 28, 2012
Length: 38:16 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Axel Soriano

Vidéo montrant différents engins qui sont en gare d'Amiens filmés de janvier à mai 2012. Au programme TER, FRET et Intercités! Bon visionnage a tous et commentez si le cœur vous en dit!

Les 100 km VTT d'Amiens 2013

Published: June 13, 2013
Length: 15:33 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: chlpl1908

Les 100 km VTT d'Amiens 2013 - Trois parcours : 30, 60 et 100 km - Les Blaireaux de Picquigny.

Mes ficelles picardes 2013 : Amiens, du skate, des potes et des souvenirs...

Published: May 19, 2013
Length: 52:49 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: sk8picardie

"y a pas que les tricks dans la vie " Ma version perso des Ficelles Picardes la wild in the streets amienoises. Du skateboard de rues, des potes 'pour la vie' et des tonnes de souvenirs ......

Amiens timelapse

Published: August 02, 2014
Length: 29:54 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Ahmed sélim

Amiens timelapse.

Bref, Amiens fait un Crit - Crit DT SF 2012 - by Ômiens HD

Published: September 03, 2012
Length: 52:19 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Critards SF Amienois

Retrouvez-nous sur : http://www.lapassionducrit.free.fr Et toutes nos autres vidéos : http://www.lapassionducrit.free.fr/nouveau_testament.html Remerciements à tous les Critards Ômiénois...