The city of medieval cathedrals – Cedică Melisa
Located at 140 kilometers from Paris, Reims is one of the many French cities where history is felt at every step, on every street and on skylines of the millenial arhitecture. Times have changed, but some things remain the same, regardless of the centuries that have passed over the locals or the troubles they have had to face.
Reims is now especially known for the champagne produced in this, area. For this reason the region was named Champagne Ardenne. Boutiques with collection bottles are found at every turn, but all roads here converge on the city's biggest attraction: the Notre-Dames Cathedral.
Construction began in 1163, on the site of a place of worship dedicated to the holy deacon Stefan. In 1182, Bishop Maurice de Sully sanctified the altar, but the construction work for the cathedral continued until 1345. The construction of the five-nave structure was finished with the construction of the western facade, and by the mid-14th century, the first exemplar of the early Gothic style was completed. Although the initial sketches and the seating area still showed characteristics of the Romanesque style, novel architectural methods specific to the Gothic style were introduced in this cathedral for the first time.
The lacy facade and the two square towers, each 69 meters tall, exude a great sense of balance. The entrance to the cathedral is through three richly ornamented gates that evoke symbols of the late Gothic style. The spatial impression inside the church is overwhelming, with its walls rising on three rows of columns. Of imposing proportions, with a length of 130 meters, a width of 45 meters, and a height of 35 meters, it can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The main nave is adorned with statues and paintings.