Amiens Cathedral

travel  wonder in France

Why the

Amiens Cathedral

is special

The 13th century Notre Dame Cathedral of Amiens is widely praised for its size and sculptures - and its unified Gothic style.

Tips & insights on

Amiens Cathedral

It is the tallest of France's grand Nortre Dame cathedrals. The interior ceiling is as high as a modern 14-story building.

The Biblical story is prolifically illustrated with stone sculptures on the building's facade and interior spaces, from the Creation to the Last Judgment.

The Amiens Cathedral houses what worshippers believe is the head of St. John the Baptist.

In 1218, lightning burned down the Romanesque cathedral that previously stood on the spot. Just two years later, work began on the replacement, the Gothic cathedral we see today. Most of its main components were up in a half-century, which is unusually fast for the Middle Ages.

The two bell towers have different heights and somewhat dissimilar designs.

The main-aisle floor tiles are arranged in a number of large, striking geometric patterns. One has a (non-Nazi) swastika motif. Another is a maze representing the path of a pilgrim.

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in France

My French

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

French cuisine

I hope your France travel dreams come true - and that 

my Amiens Cathedral page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications