CATHEDRALE NOTRE-DAME

Category : IMPRESSIONIST SITES

Localisation :  Rouen Centre

In the heart of the historic city, the cathedral has been the epitome of the development of Gothic art, since the start of its construction in the 12th century on the foundations of a 4th century basislica and an 11th century Romanesque edifice. Destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially, in 1944, by allied bombardments, the cathedral is a living structure, perpetually evolving. Its 19th century cast iron spire rises to a height of 151 metres (the highest in France). The cathedral is also the only one in France to possess an adjoining archiepiscopal palace still occupied by an archbishop today. The choir of the cathedral contains the tombs of the Dukes of Normandy, including that of Rollon, founder of the duchy in 911, and the heart of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy.