Bourges Cathedral
...ges. I had heard rumors of the majesty of Bourges and of course had heard that no cathedral around had been built without looking at Bourges but I had no clue what I was about to encounter. I arrived at the entrance receiving a glimpse of 5 large arches that served as entrances. What was so incredible about the entrances was each carved with intricate scenes of the most holy subject matter; even God would be in awe. Above the large arches stood a lovely façade that could only be that of Gothic masterpiece. Yet what stood above this masterpiece of horizontal beauty were the two massive towers that stood above me, stood very close to God. I was overcome by the presence of these two towers as they stood over me almost as if they were speaking directly to God for me. Before I entered the cathedral, I decided to take a walk around the grounds of the Cathedral. I passed many local men and women who when engaged in conversation raved of the wonder of Bourges and how lucky they were to have something so close to them that seemed to be created directly by God. They spoke of the luck they had that the archbishops during the reign of Phillip the First of France allowed them to build this wonder. They spoke of the wonderful services that occur there regularly and how every time they stepping they felt the warmth of God. From speaking to these men and women, I could tell this cathedral was what their lives revolved around. The community's life in reality revolved around God but through the Cathedral, they were able to feel the closeness of God. As I continued walking around the Cathedral, I observed the wonderful three-tiered design of the building and the support of the numerous flying buttresses on the outside. The mark of Gothic Cathedrals. Just by looking at the outside façade, I could tell the true majesty was inside. I entered through the portal to observe an oddity to a Gothic cathedral no trancept. Then I saw the impressive nave, which stretches up to the clerestory levels, where vaults cover the nave. Smaller vaults top the side aisles, and elegant piers line the nave archade. The piers are enhanced by eight thin columns on each pier. The two side aisles on either side of the nave are separated...