As it was a Sunday morning, the first train to Amiens was at 8:40, putting me there at 10. I guess Amiens is the farthest north I'll be, and it was rather cold and windy when I got there, so I dug out my insulation layer and put it on. However, I probably wouldn't have needed it as the cathedral is just a few blocks from the train station.
Wow what a place! ! I'm running out of adjectives, magnificent and spectacular just don't seem to do it justice. The carvings and decorations on the outside are exceptionally nice, words just can't describe it. Mass had just started as I arrived, so I sat down for that. They did the Mass parts in Latin, so I could join in a little with that. The people sat in the choir area so we got a good look at the carved wooden stalls - exceptional! Though they are probably more recent, only XV century. The backs of the stalls, facing the aisles also have scene carvings - the life of John the Baptist (whose skull they have), and the life of St Fermin.
I should be used to large cathedrals by now, but this one struck me as really large! The arcade level is really tall, normal triforium, and rather large clerestory, however the windows are rather plain, most of the stained glass having been destroyed, but that does make it rather bright inside. This cathedral really drew my eyes heavenward - I was constantly looking upwards.
There were lots of Renaissance additions, chapels and memorials and the like, many probably like that stuff, but I would have preferred it more simple. Just another reminder that even though these buildings are over 800 years old, they really aren't like they were 800 years ago, but that they have been around, being used, being remodeled, being added on to for 800 years. They all have their own unique history.
So as this is my travel day, I only spent 4 hours at the cathedral including Mass. One could walk around a cathedral, even take photos, all in an hour, or you could take a week and still discover something new all the time. Such it is, I think I was starting to take the same photos over again, so I got back on the train. I'm now in Rouen, and found a room in hotel Bonaparte. They must like Napoleon here, there's a statue at the corner. There are three Gothic churches here to explore tomorrow. A quick walk around the old town shows that they will be great, plus much of the area is late Miedieval style with narrow cobblestone streets, and old French style buildings, with vertical beams. Quite interesting!
Until tomorrow.
