Cathédrale Saint-Etienne (Bourges, France)
Bourges Cathedral is a masterpiece of the high gothic era, acknowledged by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1195 and 1230, it was part of the burgeoning of gothic church building in France, but unlike others retains a unity of design. It is also unusual in that the cross-shape normally formed by a transept is missing. Instead there are two side aisles wrapping round the nave. The inner one is higher than the outer so the cathedral outside has a pyramidal shape while inside there is greater height and longer vistas than normal. Numerous flying buttresses support the weight. Almost all the stained glass from the early 13th century is preserved, including the huge ‘Grand Housteau’ in the west faa§ade, a gift from the Duc du Berry. There are two towers: the ‘Deaf’ Tower, so called because structural problems meant it could not house any bells, and the ‘Butter’ Tower, built from money raised during Lent. The cathedral was on one of the Santiago pilgrimage routes, running from Vézélay across the centre of the country. As well as visiting the cathedral and lower church, visitors can also climb the Butter Tower. The website has opening times and details.
Contact
Place Etienne Dolet, 18000, Telephone: +33(2)48 65 49 44 | Official site