Next on my agenda: The 12th century Notre Dame Amiens Cathedral.
I’ve read a bit about this cathedral as a must see in Amiens. There is a myth that has been circulating for a while now and that is the severed head of John the Baptist is/was buried here. Hmm.
The cathedral did not disappoint me. Admittedly, most gothic churches can be very boring (especially their busy facades). I have seen so many in my lifetime already that I just go—FINE, NEXT—but this beauty in Amiens has proven to be another exemption. No wonder she is listed as one of the most important churches in France. The cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage as well.
Let me tell you why this church is worth visiting.
The interior is said to be the largest medieval church interior in the whole of Western Europe. The choir and the altar has its own section, right in the middle of the church, and the ambulatory surrounding it is home to a number of beautiful chapels and an amazing collection of detailed renaissance sculptures on its façade which can also be found on the transept, portraying different eschatological scenes of the saints and pilgrimages. The pulpit is in Baroque and it has works of art from different periods.
The works of art were very striking. This is the first time I have seen antiquated polychrome sculptures of animated depictions of spiritual scenes inside the church. Beautiful and indeed very captivating! Many visitors were awed and everyone just kept staring at the carvings. I can completely understand why.
The cathedral is open to the public for free, however, I saw a healthy looking beggar prowling at the entrance asking for alms.
I also did not get to see the resting place of the severed head of John the Baptist. Bummer.
Travel Period: May 2009