Bourges Cathedral

Late afternoon sun in Bourges. The "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges" was erected as a replacement for a 11th-century structure. The construction started probably in the last quarter of the 12th century, around the same time, when the builders and bricklayers started in Chartres. The choir of the cathedral was in use by 1214, the nave was finished 1255. The cathedral was consecrated in 1324.

The western facade was finished by 1270. It is very wide (42m), as the four side aisles and central nave each have their own portal. This is the tympanum of the center-portal, the largest and most ornate and sophisticated one.

The "Last Judgment", a popular theme already on Romanesque churches (eg Conques, Autun, Moissac, Sangüesa) is seen on the tympanum in a delicate Gothic style.

Here is a details of the middle level´s right side. The "Highway to Hell".

The devils who lead the souls to the hell - are in deed fantastic! What a fantasy! The evil devils are horned and have grim ugly faces. Actually they have at least two faces! The left (male) one has second (belly-) face and an anatomically innovative, large and aggresive genital. The right (female) devil has buttocks-wings, breasts and lower abdomen have faces. Very frightening!


Since 1992 the cathedral is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site".