Cathedral+of+Rheims

C__haracteristics__ Exterior: the three portals are laden with statues and statuettes; among European cathedrals only Chartres has more sculpted figures. The central portal, dedicated to the Virgin Mary is surmounted by a rose window framed in an arch decorated with statuary in place of the usual sculptured tympanum. Interior: the interior of the cathedral is 138.75m long 30m wide in the nave 38m high in the center. It comprises a nave with aisles transepts with aisles, a choir with double aisles and an apse with ambulatory and rediating chapels. It has interesting stained glasses ranging from the 13th to the 20th century. The rose window over the main portals and the galbly beneath are of rare magnificence.

__Related people and places__ In the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Rheims is where the kings of France were once crowned. unusually the names of the cathedral original architects are know: a labyrinth built into the floor of the nave at the time of construction included the names of four master masons: Jean d'Orbais, Jean- le - Loup, Gaucher de Rheims and Bernard de Soissons.

__History__ On july 6, 1210 the old cathedral was damaged by fire and reconstruction started shortly after beginning at the eastern end. work on the new cathedral was suspended for 3 years, only resuming in 1236 after the clergy retuned to the city and the interdict was lifted following mediation by the king and the pope. Construction continued more slowly. The area from the crossing eastwards was in use by 1241 but the nave was not roofed until 1299.

//by: arianne quiles and luisa mendez//