#medieval structure

[charlesreeza]

Palais de Justice - Rouen, France

The oldest part of this building was constructed between 1499 and 1507. The central block was added from 1507 to 1517 in what is known as the Louis XII style of civic architecture, a transitional style between Flamboyant Gothic and the First Renaissance. The east wing was added in the late 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style that blends well with the older buildings but has less of the elaborate stonework of the central block.

The west wing and central block were almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. Reconstruction began in 1946 and continued for 50 years. The gargoyles along the outer facade are often shown in brochures promoting tourism in Rouen.

Photos by Charles Reeza 

[charlesreeza]

This massive, fortified gate with two towers was built in the 14th century to protect the palace of the bishops of Beauvais following a riot.  The Gothic Bishop’s Palace was rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style.  It is now the home of the Musée de l'Oise, a regional art museum.  Unfortunately, it was closed on the day I was there.

Photos by Charles Reeza

[charlesreeza]

The Cathedral of Rouen

This is one of the most impressive Gothic churches ever built. Most of the church was built from 1200 to 1230 on the remains of an earlier Romanesque cathedral. In the last photo you can see that the lower part of the Saint-Roman tower on the left and the rounded arches on either side of the central portal are in the Romanesque style. The main body of the church is in characteristic Norman Gothic style. 

In the 15th century, the top of the Saint-Roman tower and the entire right-hand tower were added. During that construction the west front started to tilt, so it was completely reconstructed, starting with two massive buttresses that created the projecting porch framing the central portal. The entire facade was decorated in lavish Flamboyant Gothic style, with lacey stone tracery and hundreds of sculpted figures added to the arches and niches of the portals.

Between 1892 and 1893, Claude Monet depicted the west facade of Rouen Cathedral in a series of 28 canvases, including this one at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen - Portal of Rouen Cathedral, Gray Weather:

Photos by Charles Reeza

[charlesreeza]

The Gargoyles of Troyes Cathedral

photos by Charles Reeza

[charlesreeza]

The Basilica of Saint-Urbain in Troyes is a pure example of late 13th century French Gothic architecture because it was not built around an earlier Romanesque church, and it is unspoiled by the later Baroque or Neo-Classical alterations seen in many other churches. This is even more remarkable because the church wasn’t completed in the 13th century. Construction stopped during the Hundred Years’ War and various sections were completed in the 14th, 16th, 17th, 19th and early 20th centuries, all following the original architect’s plan.

Notice that the columns supporting the vault extend continuously from the floor into the arches, giving the interior a streamlined verticality. The design of the walls was also simplified compared to earlier Gothic churches, having only two levels rather than three. These features were copied in later Gothic churches.

Photos by Charles Reeza 

[charlesreeza]

Senlis Cathedral - Construction of the cathedral started around 1153 at both ends of the building.  By 1175 the nave was connected to the choir.  The vaulted ceiling was completed around 1180, and the cathedral was dedicated in 1191.  The transepts were added later.  

The vaults collapsed after a fire in 1504. The reconstruction added six meters to the height of the clerestory (the upper part of the walls with the large windows) making the ceiling that much higher. 

Photos by Charles Reeza

[charlesreeza]

The interior of Saint-Étienne Church in Beauvais shows the marriage of a 12th century Romanesque nave and a 16th century Flamboyant Gothic choir and chevet.  It has a few outstanding features such as the spiral staircase in one corner of the chevet, and the tree-like vaulting in the baptistry.

Photos by Charles Reeza

[charlesreeza]

The medieval bell tower of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore della Pietrasanta in the historic center of Naples