Orléans
Cathedral
In Orléans, to the east of the Place du Martroi is the massive Cathedral
of Ste-Croix, on the site of an earlier 10th C. church, part of the
foundations of which have been preserved. The building of the cathedral
began in 1278 but was several times interrupted and continued into the
16th C. It was badly damaged during the 16th C. wars of religion but was
rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries on the model of earlier Gothic
churches. The west front, flanked by twin towers, has five doorways and
much Baroque decoration. The towers themselves are over 81 m/266ft high
and are the work of the architect Trouard, although the original plans
were drawn up by J. Gabriel. The central spire is 114 m/374ft high and was
built in 1858.
The sheer size of the interior (136 m/446ft long) leaves a lasting
impression. The nine chapels behind the high altar date from the late 13th
C., and the outer walls of the two side aisles and those of the choir are
14th C. Other notable features are the fine 17th C. organ and the
beautiful early eighth C. carved woodwork in the choir. In the crypt
traces of three earlier churches can be seen, dating partly from the
fourth C. and partly from the 10th/11th C. Also of interest is the church
treasure, which includes Byzantine fabrics and enamelwork, together with
Limoges work.
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Orléans
Cathedral
