Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims — Attraction in Reims

Located in the Champagne region, Reims has always been an important commercial centre. At that time, a delicious sparkling wine was produced here, which centuries later would travel the world, baptized with the name of this region. When the Romans arrived there, in 58 BC, they found a community rich in the production of wine, wood, meat and wool, and with it they established a peaceful and profitable relationship for both sides. In the year 250 AD, Reims was already the seat of the bishopric of Champagne, and its religious influence was important in this part of Europe, to the point that the conversion of the Germanic states to Catholicism was achieved thanks to the clergy of Reims. A landmark of this era is the baptism of Clovis I, in the year 516, which gave an extraordinary impetus to the implementation of the Catholic Church in post-Roman Empire Europe, established as a commercial, artistic, and mainly spiritual pole, a symbol worthy of its religiosity. now needed. A small church, consecrated to Our Lady of Reims, already existed in the center of the city since the time of Clovis' baptism. In 816, it was rebuilt to host the coronation ceremony for the King of France. At this time, Reims was also the place where royal coronations were held. But it was not until 6 May 1211 that Archbishop Aubrey de Humbert laid the foundation stone for the new cathedral. Between 1211 and 1221, Jean d'Orbais built the first level of the choir and the side chapels. In 1252, Jean le Loup began the construction of the west facade, the main one. In 1256, the statues were included on this facade and the portals of the cathedral were completed, under Gaucher's supervision. In 1299, Robert de Coucy completed the structure up to the first level, where the Gallery of the Kings is now located. The central portal, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has a stained glass window in the form of a rose window, a striking feature of the Cathedral. The Galeria dos Reis houses the baptismal font of Clovis and statues of his successors. With a length of 149.17 meters, height of 87 meters to the bell tower, the cathedral was built on a Latin cross plan. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Four chapels surround the nave. We can still see the stained glass windows dating from the 18th century, despite the successive destruction of...

Iconic, probably the most iconic cathedral in the world! A true masterpiece of gothic architecture.

I must admit, I am not the biggest fan of cathedrals and churches, but the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims took my breath away. The monumental size of the building was not easy to comprehend and capture, not even from the square in front of it. I really enjoyed the contrast of the nearby lemon colored tree leaves, the blue sky and sandy color of the stone that was used to build the cathedral. It was really beautiful and magical.

Unfortunately during our visits, the main entrance was under reconstruction, therefore we entered by the side entrance. There I could notice that some parts of the building were yet to be reconstructed as grass and weeds were growing around the ledges of the windows.

Once we were inside we truly could understand the vastness of the cathedral. It is not the most beautiful or most colored cathedral I visited, but that was completely irrelevant, mainly because of the historical importance it has and due to its size. Of course there are nicely colored mosaic windows, statues and miniatures around the apse and story boards full of information (multiple languages available). We did spent at least half an hour walking around and twisting our necks to fully appreciate the interior of the cathedral.

Quite a large gift shop is located inside towards the entrance/exit, selling really beautiful and spiritual items. It was possible to pay by card. There were plenty of restaurants around the square and some small street vendors offering a quick bite. Parking was not an issue as Sundays are free in most of the French cities. Visited in May 2022.

Tip: Walk to Cr Anatole France for a beautiful view of the gardens of...

The Reims Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in France, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. It has been the traditional site for the coronation of French kings. Built in the 13th century, it is celebrated for its intricate facade, soaring towers, and extensive use of stained glass.

One of the most remarkable features of the Reims Cathedral is the set of modern stained glass windows created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. Installed in 1974, these windows are located in the axial chapel of the cathedral. Chagall's vibrant use of color and his unique, dreamlike style bring a modern yet harmonious contrast to the Gothic architecture.

The Chagall windows in Reims depict various biblical scenes, including the Creation, the story of Abraham, and the life of Christ. Chagall's work is characterized by its vivid colors, expressive forms, and a sense of movement that draws the viewer into the narrative. The windows are not just an artistic achievement but also a symbol of the ongoing life and renewal of the cathedral, blending history and contemporary art.

Overall, the Reims Cathedral and the Chagall windows together create a space that celebrates both the rich heritage of Gothic architecture and the innovative spirit of modern art, making it a unique and...