Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: 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. With the completion of the choir of the cathedral , the first stained glass windows got installed. Most of the windows around the choir, created 1220/1230, survived the times. The wonderful "vitraux" here may even be a bit older than the more famous ones in Chartres. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16 : 22 "The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried." The rich man´s soul leaves the body and is immidiatly grabbed by the devil. The fork, the right devil uses, can often be seen as an evil tool.

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. With the completion of the choir of the cathedral , the first stained glass windows got installed. Most of the windows around the choir, created 1220/1230, survived the times. The wonderful "vitraux" here may even be a bit older than the more famous ones in Chartres. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus "HIC EST DIVES", the rich man is often named "Dives". Luke 16 : 19-21 "There was a certain rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted luxuriously every day. At his gate lay a certain poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. Lazarus longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Instead, dogs would come and lick his sores."

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. With the completion of the choir of the cathedral , the first stained glass windows got installed. Most of the windows around the choir, created 1220/1230, survived the times. The wonderful "vitraux" here may even be a bit older than the more famous ones in Chartres. Here is the Last Judgement. The "Weighing of Souls" (Psychostasia) in the top part. In the center the the souls to the right are saved and move to Abraham, who holds the souls in a napkin on his bosom. Those souls to the right end in a hellmouth.

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 cathedral is really large. The total lenght of the interior (as seen here) is 118 meters.

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.

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. This one may be created within the 15th century. I am sure, that seen here is the "Adoration of the Magi". To the left is the head of an ass, symbolizing the nativity scene. Mary is seated in the center. One of the Magi is already on his knees. The very right Magi holds a vessel (frankincense?).

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. The walls near the portals are covered with carved graffiti, what is very common in France. This one is pretty elaborate, as a stone driller was used, to create the coat of arms. The vandal, who used the driller, may have been a member of the Huguenot troops, that tried to burn down the cathedral in 1565. They failed. Of course the graffitto could as well have been carved in after the French Revolution, but coats of arms, being a symbol of nobility, where a bit out of fashion then.

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 portals, older ones. Here is the northern (side) portal. Like the southern one (previous uploads) it is Romanesque and was once part of the Romanesque cathedral, that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. Here is the mutilated tympanum of the southern side portal. The Virgin and Child in the center, flanked by angels. I could not find out, what the scenery near the right angel stands for. Are there waves? Below on the left side the "Adoration of the Magi" and the "Visitation" on the right.

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 portals, older ones. Here is the northern (side) portal. Like the southern one (previous uploads) it is Romanesque and was once part of the Romanesque cathedral, that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. The portal is vandalized and mutilated, what may be a result of an attack of Huguenot troops in 1565. The attempt to burn down the cathedral failed, but lots of carvings were damaged.

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 portals, older ones. Here is the southern (side) portal. It is Romanesque, probably created around 1150/60). It was once part of the Romanesque cathedral, that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. Here is a detail of that portal. Just behind the corner a giant bear awaits the artless rider in the dense forest.

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 portals, older ones. Here is the southern (side) portal. It is Romanesque, probably created around 1150/60). It was once part of the Romanesque cathedral, that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. Here is a detail of that portal. On the left side is a nice harp player, while on the right is a very strange creature. I man with wings (?) pulling somthing out or pulling something out a dragon´s / snake´s mouth?

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 portals, older ones. Here is the southern (side) portal. It is Romanesque, probably created around 1150/60). It was once part of the Romanesque cathedral, that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. Here is a detail of that portal. On the left side is Samson, tearing the lion apart. To the right a knight fighting a dragon. The knight seems in a pretty helpless situation, but he just spears the dragon from below the shield. Saint George!

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 portals, older ones. Here is the southern (side) portal. It is Romanesque, probably created around 1150/60). It was once part of the Romanesque cathedral, that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. The tympanum has Christ in Majesty holding the bible, flanked by the Evangelist´s symbols ("tetramorph"). Below are the 12 apostles. The large trumeau (Christ blessing the passers by) is pretty damaged, on the sides statues of kings and prophets. This portal is similar to the side portal ("portail royal") in Chartres, that may be about the same age.

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 left side. Ugly devils throw the souls into the hellmouth, but on top of the mouth stands a large boiler. Seem the hell only accepts them cooked. The two devils on the sides use bellows. The devil to the right has a second face, yes some may call this a ...../Sorry! Since 1992 the cathedral is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site".

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".

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 the center of the middle level. Archangel Michael holds a scale doing the "Weighing of the Souls". He holds his arm around the small (innocent) soul on is side, while the grim looking, bearded, hook-nosed devil is waiting eagerly.. The souls on the left, entering heaven, have a faint smile on their faces, a smile I saw in Reims (and Bamberg) as well. Since 1992 the cathedral is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site".

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. Seen here are three levels. At the bottom souls arise from the open the graves. They all look young and healthy. Above Archangel Michael holds a scale. This is a Psychostasia, the "Weighing of the Souls". While the souls left of Saint Michael are escorted by angels, the souls to the right are tortured by devils. Above all Christ enthroned and flanked by angels. There are a lot of astonishing (and explicit!) details to be seen on the "Highway to Hell" (AC/DC), so I will upload some of them next. Since 1992 the cathedral is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site".

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. Seen here are three levels. At the bottom souls arise from the open the graves. They all look young and healthy. Above Archangel Michael holds a scale. This is a Psychostasia, the "Weighing of the Souls". While the souls left of Saint Michael are escorted by angels, the souls to the right are tortured by devils. Above all Christ enthroned and flanked by angels. The angels show the "Arma Christi", the "Instruments of Passion". Since 1992 the cathedral is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site".