Meaux Cathedral

Meaux, France

Meaux Cathedral construction began between 1175-1180, when a structure in Romanesque style was started. Defects in the original design and construction had to be corrected in the 13th century, in which the architect Gautier de Vainfroy was much involved. He had to remove the previous cathedral almost totally and start a new structure in Gothic style. In the later 13th century work was often interrupted due to lack of funds, a problem removed by the generosity of Charles IV in the early 14th century. Further progress was interrupted by the Hundred Years' War and occupation by the English.

The archives of the diocese were destroyed in 1793 – 1794, thus deleting much knowledge about the early history of the church. The composer Pierre Moulu worked at the cathedral in the early 16th century.

The design of the cathedral, because of its construction period, encompasses several periods of Gothic art. The cathedral rises to a height of 48 meters; inside, the vaults at the choir rise to 33 meters. The interior ornamentation is noted for its smoothness, and the space for its overall luminosity. The cathedral contains a famous organ, built in the 17th century.

References:

Comments

Your name


Thank you, this is now fixed.

cette photo est une phot de la cathédrale de Clermont Frrand


Details

Founded: 1175-1180
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sandy Jarry (4 years ago)
Top
daisy AknCrdz (4 years ago)
Very impressive building worth a visit.
Antoine M (4 years ago)
This is one impressive and utterly beautiful cathedral in Meaux, east of Paris. This is Gothic style architecture at its most stupendous! The western façades, flanked by three magnificent portals is breathtaking (though there's currently some repair works happening when I visited, but not interrupt the overall presence). This cathedral replaced an earlier Romanesque style architecture that was too run-down and thus redone in its current Gothic style. Inside is just breathtaking with so many intricate features like the elevated liturgical choir of five vessels, central vessels and double collaterals (the aisles vessels of the nave)! There's a tower surmounting it in flamboyant style with utterly rich decorative transept. One other outstanding feature is the luminosity of the interior, breathtaking! Some well known tombs in this cathedral; of Jacques Bénigne Bossuet (refer to Dijon cathedral), Marie of France (Countess of Champagne, elder daughter of Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitane), and Saint Fiacre of Breuil). There's so much to appreciate about this stunning cathedral both inside and outside which is also framed by a vast courtyard, a bishopric palace and a beautiful garden, Jardin Bossuet. Absolutely a must visit if you are visiting Meaux.
Rose doe (4 years ago)
Under construction at the moment but still pretty!
Sarah Pouzar (5 years ago)
It was so lovely, felt like a humble place but packed witb so much history and charm
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Jan Hus Memorial

The Jan Hus Memorial stands at one end of Old Town Square. The huge monument depicts victorious Hussite warriors and Protestants who were forced into exile 200 years after Hus, and a young mother who symbolises national rebirth. The monument was so large that the sculptor designed and built his own villa and studio where the work could be carried out. It was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martyrdom. The memorial was designed by Ladislav Šaloun and paid for solely by public donations.

Born in 1369, Hus became an influential religious thinker, philosopher, and reformer in Prague. He was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century. In his works he criticized religious moral decay of the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Czech patriot Hus believed that mass should be given in the vernacular, or local language, rather than in Latin. He was inspired by the teachings of John Wycliffe.