This is the portail (portal, or doorway) of the cathedral Sainte-Croix upstream on the Loire in Orléans. The construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century. It has had a tough life, including being partially destroyed during a religious war (1568). Reconstruction and additions continued from 1601 to 1829. However, it is probably most noted for Joan of Arc celebrating mass here in 1429. Today there is a series of stained glass windows commemorating this event.
That is an astonishing and intricate entrance.
ReplyDeleteA lot of history has passed through those doors.
Yes it is a bit humbling.
DeleteThe thirteenth century... That's incredible Stuart, architecture that old is even more fascinating to someone who lives in a relatively new country like Australia.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the reasons we love it here. As a recovering engineering, I'm trying to actually understand history now.
DeleteAnd yet it survived. I wonder which of our buildings today will make it to the 2700s.
ReplyDeleteThat is an intriguing thought. I wonder if there'll be more from the thirteenth than from the 21st.
DeleteI am not a big fan of churches , even if all these constructions asked for a great skill. I sometimes do not understand why people long for past things. We should try to make a better future. But well your shots are beauticul.
ReplyDeleteTess
For me, I love to see things of beauty. Although the more I learn about history, the more I understand the human suffering endured while some of these beautiful things were built. I would hope we can learn from the past to avoid such circumstances in the future. In the meantime, I just want to take some photos and hope that one or two will turn out beautiful !
DeleteWell I agree . And as I said already your photos are always beautiful. I just expressed my own feeling. Sorry.
DeleteTess
No apology required ! I agree with you. The future is what is important.
Delete