Notre-Dame d'Amiens is a Gothic cathedral in Amiens, in the Picardy region of northern France, listed by UNESCO in 1981. Building began in 1220, and most of it was finished within about fifty years. Its interior is the biggest of any Gothic cathedral in France, roughly twice the volume of Notre-Dame in Paris. Visit for the carved portals, the stained glass and the view from the tower. Come early in the morning for a quieter interior, or in summer for the evening light show on the facade.
Building from 1220
Work on the cathedral began in 1220, at a time when builders across northern France were raising ever larger churches. Chartres and Reims were already under construction, and Amiens was planned on a bigger scale than both.
The cathedral was financed in part by woad, the plant used to make blue dye, and by the trade that made the city's blue well known. Most of the statues were once painted, and a few still show traces of that original colour.
The cathedral is also part of the route of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
The facade and portals
The facade is asymmetrical, with its carved figures spread across the stone. Thousands of statues cover the portals. They include saints, ordinary people at work such as weaving, and figures representing sins and virtues.
Look for the scenes showing the zodiac signs, each with its positive and negative traits. Some of the portal figures are martyrs carrying their own severed heads.
A weeping angel statue is also worth seeking out.
Inside the cathedral
The building is 145 metres long, and its vault rises 42 metres. The nave is the centrepiece, and the stained glass windows fill the space with coloured light.
The cathedral was built to house a relic said to be the head of St John the Baptist, and the relic is still on display.
Tributes to soldiers from many countries who defended Amiens in the First World War are placed inside. The cathedral is also linked with troops from Australia, New Zealand and Canada, who gathered there at the end of the war before getting back on ships.
The tower and guided visits
The towers and the treasure room can only be visited with a guide from the Centre des Monuments nationaux. The tower climb gives a view over the whole city of Amiens.
The guides are knowledgeable and can explain the history of the building, along with the historical events and social issues connected with the cathedral. Advance tickets are recommended for these visits.
The entrance and the parking are wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms on site. Parking is available in both free and paid lots.
Summer light show
In summer, a light show of about 45 minutes runs on the facade in the evening. It recreates the building's original colour scheme, and it is free to watch.
The show pairs well with a morning visit to the interior, when the cathedral is quieter.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
The main interior and the outside of the cathedral are open to visitors free of charge. The towers and the treasure room need a guided visit from the Centre des Monuments nationaux.
How long do you need?
An hour is enough for the interior. Allow more time if you plan to climb the tower or join a guided visit.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended, especially for the guided visits to the towers and the treasure room.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
