Got up rather early this morning and climbed the mountain again to the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Laon. Again I practically had this entire Gothic Cathedral all to myself! I prayed m morning cprayers, took lots of photos, even tried out the acoustics by singing 'How Great Thou Art' (long reverberation time, as one would expect).
I then began to explore the old town. Lots of interesting things here as you might expect for a town that has been lived in for over a thousand years. The views to the north and the South are spectacular. At lunchtime I headed back to the hotel (I recharged my camera) and dressed more warmly as there was a cold wind blowing, then headed back up the hill. The sky had been overcast all day, but no really dark clouds, so I figured it wouldn't rain. Of course a light but consistent rain began falling... ok I gave up and headed back to the hotel for my rain gear.
I headed to the old abbey church - St Martin. Here was another Gothic structure, like all the others and yet unique. Sunday Mass was at 6, so I made sure I was there for that. I even asked the priest if I could concelebrate with him, which he happily allowed. Thankfully Abbe Mathais spoke a little English. The crowd filled the choir, and there was baptism for two children. So that's always a good sign for the church.
St Martin: abbey church, apse with square end and beautiful lancet window, then transept, then choir with beautiful old wood stalls, then seven section nave. No triforium, small Romanesque windows in the clerestory. More beautiful wood paneling in the apse, probably a later addition.
Notre-Dame de Laon: has a box end apse with a beautiful rose window, there are four tiers on all walls, the transepts meet at a unique tower. The west facade is famous for its beautiful towers, plus there are another two towers on the north and south transepts. The west towers are also famous for the statues of the oxen atop them! Supposedly in recognition for their work in hauling the stones up the mountain to the construction site.
