Saint-Étienne

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Bourges: Cathedral of Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne

cathedral, Bourges, France

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June 17, 2026

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Bourges: Cathedral of Saint-Étienne — Bourges: Cathedral of Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, Bourges, France.

The Cathedral of Saint-Étienne in Bourges, France, is a prime example of Gothic architecture, with construction beginning in the late 12th century and completed within 50 years, though later additions were made. This cathedral is renowned for its five intricately sculpted doorways and two asymmetrical towers. Its interior features exceptionally high inner aisles and notably lacks transepts. The cathedral houses stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries, celebrated for their beauty, and a remarkable 12th-century crypt beneath the choir. Gothic architecture, in general, is characterized by the ribbed vault, pointed arch, and flying buttress, which allowed for taller and broader structures with larger windows, creating novel lighting effects.12

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Bourges
…by the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne, which dominates the city. Begun at the end of the 12th century on the site of earlier sanctuaries, it was completed in 50 years, receiving later additions. The cathedral has five magnificently sculptured doorways and two asymmetrical towers. Its inner aisles are remarkably high,…
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…by the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne, which dominates the city. Begun at the end of the 12th century on the site of earlier sanctuaries, it was completed in 50 years, receiving later additions. The cathedral has five magnificently sculptured doorways and two asymmetrical towers. Its inner aisles are remarkably high,…
Read More

Western architecture
Early Gothic
…came back into prominence with Bourges Cathedral (begun c. 1195). But one of the most influential buildings was Chartres Cathedral (present church mainly built after 1194). There, the architect abandoned entirely the use of the tribune gallery, but, instead of increasing the size of the arcade, he managed, by a…
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…came back into prominence with Bourges Cathedral (begun c. 1195). But one of the most influential buildings was Chartres Cathedral (present church mainly built after 1194). There, the architect abandoned entirely the use of the tribune gallery, but, instead of increasing the size of the arcade, he managed, by a…
Read More

Western sculpture
Early Gothic
…example, at Angers, Le Mans, Bourges, and Senlis cathedrals. There are stylistic connections with Burgundy and also with Provence. The fashion lasted from c. 1140 to 1180.
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…example, at Angers, Le Mans, Bourges, and Senlis cathedrals. There are stylistic connections with Burgundy and also with Provence. The fashion lasted from c. 1140 to 1180.
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