Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen – The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen) is one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in France and the seat of the Archbishop of Rouen. Built primarily between the 12th and 16th centuries, the cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture featuring an elaborate facade with the Tour de Beurre (Butter Tower) and the Tour Saint-Romain, and a soaring cast-iron spire that rises 151 meters, making it the tallest church spire in France. The cathedral gained worldwide fame through Claude Monet’s series of over 30 paintings depicting its facade at different times of day and in varying light conditions (1892-1894), which became iconic works of Impressionism. The interior houses important works including Renaissance tombs, stained glass windows spanning several centuries, and the crypt containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart. The Cathédrale de Rouen is particularly celebrated for being the subject of Monet’s famous cathedral series; its spectacular Flamboyant Gothic facade with intricate stone lacework; its towering spire (the tallest in France); and its historical significance as the site where Joan of Arc was tried in 1431.
