What makes the Bourges cathedral Gothic?
Bourges is also notable for the unity of its design, seen in no other cathedral of the High Gothic era. It features two distinct horseshoe aisles that wrap around a central nave and choir). The inner aisle has a higher vault than the outer aisle. Each ambulatory/aisle has its own portal at the west end.
What was the purpose of the Bourges cathedral?
Bourges, the ancient Roman city of Avaricum, located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, was one of the first Christian communities of Gaul. The cathedral, which was dedicated to the first Christian martyr, Saint Etienne, occupies the site of a place of worship since the 3rd century.
What are the creatures on the facade of the cathedral called?
Stone Spies We are referring to grotesques: the scary figures carved into stone corbels, keystones, and friezes on building facades. In 12th century Europe, grotesques, as well as open-mouthed gargoyles—which directed rainwater away from buildings—became commonplace, especially on the outside of cathedrals.
When was Bourges cathedral built?
1230
Bourges Cathedral/Opened
Who created the Bourges cathedral?
Henri de Sully
Very little is known about these buildings. The previous Romanesque cathedral, also dedicated to Saint Etienne, dated back to the 11th and 12th centuries. As for the present cathedral, the decision to construct was made by Henri de Sully, archbishop of Bourges in 1195.
When was the Bourges Cathedral built?
Like many others, the Bourges Cathedral is built on the remains of other constructions. The remains of the mid-11th century preceding cathedral are now the crypt of the present cathedral. Works on the new cathedral probably started around 1195. The nave was finished by 1255 and the west facade by 1270.
Did Joan of Arc pray in Bourges Cathedral?
In 1424, André Cassart built the famous astronomical clock from a design by Jean Fusoris. Five years later, in 1429, Joan of Arc came to Bourges and prayed in Bourges Cathedral. No one knows if she liked the cathedral, but to this day she is depicted there in one of the chapels wearing armour.
How was St Etienne of Bourges built?
The great unity of style of the cathedral St Etienne of Bourges is due to a rapid construction. Indeed it took less than a century to built it! The construction of the current cathedral started when Henri de Sully, archbishop of Bourges, made a donation.
What is the astronomical clock of Bourges Cathedral?
The Astronomical Clock of Bourges cathedral dates back to 1424 and was made by the canon and mathematician Jean Furosis. The clock is made of a tower holding two clocks, painted red and decorated with flowers, shields and golden lines. The higher clock shows the hours and minutes and dates from the 19th century.