The cathedral of coronations, Notre-Dame de Reims was known as the « queen of French churches » in the Middle Ages. It took nearly a century (1212-1300) to build and featured an architectural programme of unrivalled richness.
Although its towers were not completed until the 15th century, its builders faithfully adhered to its original overall plan.
The nave and the vaults were designed using some of the most modem techniques of the 13th century. Bringing Gothic architecture to its apogee, the cathedral was to inspire the whole of Europe.
Thanks to its numerous sculptures - those of the north and west portais in particular - and its original stained-glass décoration, the cathedral proclaims the glory of the Virgin Mary and the role of the Church in history and in the promise of salvation.