Bourges Cathedral

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.

There are even two more (side-) portals, older ones, that were once part of the Romanesque cathedral that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today.

Near the northern portal are some mutilated carvings.

Seen here may be the "First Bath". While Mary rests on a bed, the midwives prepare the bath. Not a typical nativity-scene, as the bed and the fire place look very posh. It may well be, that the aura of luxury provoked the vandals to destroy the carving.