Interior Looking West, Laon
Laon Cathedral is somewhat smaller than France's greater Gothic cathedrals, but no less important or impressive. It is an example of early, transitional gothic dating from the 1140s, retaining a much more Romanesque feel in it's forms.
The first sight of this hilltop cathedral is unforgettable, it's shilouette unique, being dominated by no less than five towers, two on the west facade, one on each transept (two more were apparently removed at the Revolution) and one low pyramid-capped structure over the crossing.
The towers are famous for a unique feature; those on the main facade include huge stone oxen peering out of their upper stories, considered a memorial to the beasts of burden that enabled transportation of so much stone to this lofty location.
The sculpture of the three main portals was sadly mutilated during the Revolution, so that all the main figures are 19th century replacements whilst the tympana and keystone figures mostly have replacement heads.
The interior is also unusual in having no apse, a straight wall behind the altar as usually found in English cathedrals. There is also so fine early stained glass in the east wall of the choir and in the three rose windows.
Interior Looking West, Laon
Laon Cathedral is somewhat smaller than France's greater Gothic cathedrals, but no less important or impressive. It is an example of early, transitional gothic dating from the 1140s, retaining a much more Romanesque feel in it's forms.
The first sight of this hilltop cathedral is unforgettable, it's shilouette unique, being dominated by no less than five towers, two on the west facade, one on each transept (two more were apparently removed at the Revolution) and one low pyramid-capped structure over the crossing.
The towers are famous for a unique feature; those on the main facade include huge stone oxen peering out of their upper stories, considered a memorial to the beasts of burden that enabled transportation of so much stone to this lofty location.
The sculpture of the three main portals was sadly mutilated during the Revolution, so that all the main figures are 19th century replacements whilst the tympana and keystone figures mostly have replacement heads.
The interior is also unusual in having no apse, a straight wall behind the altar as usually found in English cathedrals. There is also so fine early stained glass in the east wall of the choir and in the three rose windows.