Arras Cathedral, Arras, France

The original cathedral of Arras, constructed between 1030 and 1396, was one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in northern France, until it was destroyed in the French Revolution. The cathedral was the resting place of Louis de Bourbon, Légitimé de France, illegitimate son of Louis XIV and Louise de La Vallière.

In 1833 the church of the former St. Vaast's Abbey was rebuilt in classical style as a replacement cathedral. The design was chosen by the former abbot of St. Vaast's, the Cardinal de Rohan, and is of remarkable simplicity. Arras Cathedral was destroyed by shelling in April 1917, during the run-up to the Nivelle offensives of World War I. It was subsequently rebuilt in its previous form.

References:

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User Reviews

Kathryn Jones (2 years ago)
I am so incredibly disappointed that I did not get to see this. I am a pilgrim walking from London to Rome, and the posted hours said it would be open today. I understand that things aren’t always completely up to date, so I wouldn’t have put so much trust in the accuracy except that it says the “business” just updated their hours less than a week ago. If it wouldn’t have said that, I would have tried to go last night when I got in or at least verified the hours by calling. As it is, I may live the rest of my life without another opportunity to see this cathedral.

Nishit Siddhpura (4 years ago)
Great Roman architecture site.

Maya Manolova (5 years ago)
Marvelous!!! I can see it from my roof terrace ??

Adam Reid (5 years ago)
Worth a look

Laurie Harris (5 years ago)
Our Air BNb with Gregory was directly across the street from this incredible building.

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