Amiens Cathedral

About

Founded in the 12th century, Amiens’ cathedral was largely rebuilt in the 13th. The result of this massive undertaking is France’s largest Gothic cathedral. Singular in style and vision thanks to its quick construction, the purity and coherence of the design earned the cathedral a spot on the UNESCO list. The cathedral received further embellishments up until the French Revolution, making for an incredibly intricate Flamboyant Gothic facade, covered in ornate carvings. So delicate was the cathedral’s stonework that it almost collapsed in the 16th century, and was only saved thanks to the quick action of master builder Pierre Tarisel. The interior, meant to house the town’s entire medieval population, is equally exquisite, with elegant sculptures, colorful stained glass, and gilded artwork at every turn.