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by J. Forstel (Author), A. Magnien (Author)
Built at the instigation of Milon de Nanteuil (1217-1234), the cathedral of Beauvais, known as the Haute-Oeuvre to distinguish it from the 10th-century Basse-Oeuvre, was consecrated in 1272. A first building collapse in 1284 and then a second in 1573 finally reined in the builders' zeal. Without its nave, which, given the height of the vaulting (48 metres high, the tallest Gothic vaults in Europe) no doubt would have been immensely long, the cathedral's at once massive and soaring shape dominates an area destroyed by the 1940 bombardements. The canonical cloister and the Bishop's Palace, now the Departmental museum, were spared from war-time damage. Although the cathedral lost the statues decorating its portal as well as some elements of its interior decoration during the Revolution, it still contains a rich collection of furnishings which are well worth examining and wonderful Medieval and Renaissance stained-glass windows illuminate the sanctuary redecorated by the sculptor Nicolas-Sebastien Adam in circa 1750. Every century has contributed to the embellishment of the cathedral of Saint-Pierre and this guide invites visitors to explore the traces left by each historical period.
