Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

Here are some key facts:

• Construction: Began in the 12th century and continued through the 16th century, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles.

• Style: Mostly Gothic, with Flamboyant Gothic details and later Renaissance influences.

• Height: Its cast-iron spire reaches 151 meters (495 ft) – it was once the tallest building in the world (1876–1880).

• Famous for:

  • Beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate façade sculptures.

  • The tombs of Richard the Lionheart’s heart and other dukes of Normandy.

  • Claude Monet’s paintings – he painted over 30 versions of the cathedral façade, capturing the changing light and weather.

• World War II: The cathedral was damaged by bombings but has been carefully restored.

• Today: It remains an active place of worship and one of Rouen’s main tourist attractions.