Reims Cathedral
Traditional coronation site of French kings and Gothic masterpiece.
Last updated
via Wikipedia: Reims Cathedral · see source
Where it is
Coordinates: 49°15′14″N 4°02′02″E (49.2540, 4.0340) · Open in OpenStreetMap
Coordinates and connected clubs: the infobox of Wikipedia: Reims Cathedral (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map: drawn by Codexery from OpenStreetMap tiles.
Reims Cathedral, officially called Notre-Dame de Reims, is a Catholic cathedral in the French city of Reims and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Reims. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was historically the site where French kings were crowned. Regarded as a major example of Gothic architecture, the cathedral attracts around one million visitors each year and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The cathedral’s origins trace back to the early 5th century, when Bishop Nicasius moved it to its current location, previously occupied by a Gallo-Roman bath built by Emperor Constantine. About a century later, Clovis, the first Frankish king to receive Christian baptism, was baptized there by Saint Remigius. The present structure was built between the 13th and 14th centuries, replacing an earlier church destroyed by fire in 1210.
It is a prominent example of High Gothic architecture. While it suffered little damage during the French Revolution, extensive restoration took place in the 19th century. The cathedral was heavily damaged in World War I and underwent further restoration in the 20th century.
Since the 1905 French law separating church and state, the cathedral has been owned by the French state, though the Catholic Church has an agreement for its exclusive use. The French government funds its restoration and upkeep.
Lore & Background
The cathedral is thought to have been founded by the bishop Nicasius in the early 5th century. Clovis was baptized a Christian here by Saint Remigius, the bishop of Reims, about a century later. He was the first Frankish king to receive this sacrament. Construction of the present cathedral began in the 13th century and concluded in the 14th century.
A prominent example of High Gothic architecture, it was built to replace an earlier church destroyed by fire in 1210. Although little damaged during the French Revolution, the present cathedral saw extensive restoration in the 19th century. It was severely damaged during World War I and was again restored in the 20th century.
Common Misconceptions (Editorial)
- A common misconception is that Reims Cathedral was built as a coronation site from the start. In fact, the tradition of crowning kings there began with Henry I in 1027, well before the present cathedral was constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Some may believe the cathedral was largely destroyed during the French Revolution. However, the facts indicate it was "little damaged" during that period, though it did suffer severe damage in World War I.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
Reims Cathedral endures as a monument to French national identity, having hosted the coronations of all but seven French kings over nearly a millennium. Its survival through revolution and world war, followed by careful restoration, also makes it a powerful symbol of resilience and the enduring value of cultural heritage.
Did You Know?
- The cathedral was built to replace an earlier church destroyed by fire on 6 May 1210, allegedly due to 'carelessness.'
- Unusually, the names of the cathedral's successive architects are known, recorded in a labyrinth built into the floor of the nave (destroyed in 1779).
- The cathedral was one of the first buildings to use stones and other materials of standardized sizes, speeding construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reims Cathedral's role?
For centuries the cathedral was the traditional venue where French kings were crowned, placing it at the symbolic center of the monarchy. Today it also draws roughly one million visitors a year as a major pilgrimage and tourism destination.
When was Reims Cathedral built?
The present structure was raised across the 13th and 14th centuries, squarely within the High Gothic period. Its sculptural program and structural design are still studied as benchmark examples of that era.
Where can I find Reims Cathedral?
It stands in the city of Reims in northeastern France, anchoring the religious and historical identity of that area. Its role as the coronation site for French monarchs elevated its symbolic importance well beyond the immediate community.
More in Great Cathedrals
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Reims Cathedral (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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