Soissons Cathedral
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Soissons Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. Gervais and St. Protais, is a Gothic cathedral in Soissons, France. Its construction began about 1195, and continued into the late 13th century.
The single tower dates from the mid-13th century and is an imitation of those of Notre Dame de Paris, which it equals in height (66 m, or 216 ft). The tower was restored after it and part of the nave were severely damaged in World War I. A matching tower on the other side of the facade was originally planned, but never built.
The graceful southern transept, the oldest portion of the whole edifice, terminates in an apse. Unlike the rest of the building, it is divided interiorly into four (rather than three) levels.
The choir end of the cathedral has stained glass from the 13th century. A tapestry work from the 15th century depicts the life of the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius, the patron saints of the cathedral. Rubens' Adoration of the Shepherds hangs in the northern transept, as does a painting by Philippe de Champaigne.
Maurice Duruflé composed his work for organ "Fugue sur Le carillon des heures de la Cathédrale de Soissons" op. 12 (1962)
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