Laon cathedral

cathedral, Laon, France

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July 23, 2026

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Laon Cathedral, located in the old town of Laon, France, was constructed starting in the latter half of the 12th century and completed in 1235. It is a significant example of early Gothic architecture, featuring elements like ribbed vaults and pointed arches. The cathedral is situated on a hill overlooking the modern town and is adjacent to a 13th-century cloister and the former Episcopal Palace. Historically, Laon was a strategic location and served as a capital for the Carolingian kings before the capital was moved to Paris. The cathedral itself suffered damage in 1870 when an engineer detonated a powder magazine, and the new town was significantly damaged during World War II.12

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stained glass
France
1200–05) of Laon Cathedral is stylistically related to the contemporary sculptures of the facade and to manuscript painting such as the Ingeborg Psalter (Musée Condé, Chantilly). The work of this atelier is extremely distinguished, with an elegance and purity of style and a knowledge of Classical art…
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1200–05) of Laon Cathedral is stylistically related to the contemporary sculptures of the facade and to manuscript painting such as the Ingeborg Psalter (Musée Condé, Chantilly). The work of this atelier is extremely distinguished, with an elegance and purity of style and a knowledge of Classical art…
Read More

Laon
Laon Cathedral, in the old town, was begun in the second half of the 12th century and completed in 1235. Adjoining the cathedral is a 13th-century cloister. The nearby Episcopal Palace (partly 13th century) now houses law courts and has a 12th-century chapel. On the…
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Laon Cathedral, in the old town, was begun in the second half of the 12th century and completed in 1235. Adjoining the cathedral is a 13th-century cloister. The nearby Episcopal Palace (partly 13th century) now houses law courts and has a 12th-century chapel. On the…
Read More

Western architecture
Early Gothic
1150) and Laon cathedrals the four elements mentioned above are all used, with the result that the arcade is comparatively small. Subsequently, the arcade came back into prominence with Bourges Cathedral (begun c. 1195). But one of the most influential buildings was Chartres Cathedral (present church mainly…
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1150) and Laon cathedrals the four elements mentioned above are all used, with the result that the arcade is comparatively small. Subsequently, the arcade came back into prominence with Bourges Cathedral (begun c. 1195). But one of the most influential buildings was Chartres Cathedral (present church mainly…
Read More