Richly Sculpted Doors of Reims Cathedral, France
It was a hurried visit to Reims Cathedral. We thought crossing over to Luxembourg without halting at Reims would be a big loss in terms of traveler’s experience and pictures. I am glad we halted there to capture this architectural gem.
It was here French Kings were once crowned. This Reims Cathedral was used for more than eight centuries for coronations.
In 13th century 2 more cathedrals Notre-Dame de Paris and Notre-Dame de Chartres came up simultaneously with Notre-Dame de Reims. Interestingly the builders of Reims cathedral were determined that Reims Cathedral should be the largest and best. They succeeded and managed to make their edifice just a little bit more massive than the other two cathedrals.
Smiling Angel Reims
Doors of Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral was easy to spot as we entered the town. Its two squat towers (267ft. high) can’t be missed. The three portals of the west front are richly sculpted with medieval statues.
Central portal of facade of Reims Cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin. On top of the central portal is a beautiful rose-window framed in an arch itself decorated with statuary. Standing in front of the cathedral, watching it closely one gets the impression it is blanketed with sculpted statues of holy men and smiling angels.
The arches over doors of Reims Cathedral had rows of such statues. One of the statues, the “Smiling Angel” was decapitated during World War 1.
By the time I had scanned the statues I was puzzled, what to frame and what not to frame. Such beautiful work, cathedrals after cathedral I was seeing these, yet I wasn’t tired!
I had read of the Smiling Angel of Reims and was scanning through the faces of the angels standing on the arches. One look and my gaze froze; I knew she had to be the smiling angel.
Smiling Angel is a stone sculpture on the arches of door of Cathedral of Reims, in France. The original carving of the angel dates back to 1200s. Her beaming smile is hard to forget and it keeps playing in your mind for a long time after. It is such a contrast from the serene expressions of other angels sculptures that stand besides her.
Sad Story of Smiling Angel of Reims
Unfortunately the doors of Reims Cathedral faced the wrath of German bombs during World War 1. 300 of them it is said! Many of the statues on the arches over the doors are missing either their arms, or face or legs or all three.
By Nov. 11, 1918, not much was left. Some battered walls, buttresses and rubble; almost a skeleton of it was before. What hurt the people of Reims most was their beloved Smiling Angel, who stood greeting all at the entrance on the door was very badly damaged!
Sadly the head had come rolling down due to the impact breaking into pieces! Abbot Thinot who worked there then collected the pieces. He stored them safely in the cellars of the Archbishop of Reims.
With the help of castings taken earlier and stored in Paris they could restore the statue of Smiling Angel. In 1926 the statue was back at its place. Today Smiling Angel is a major symbol for the city. She is the Smile of Reims!
Fortunately during the second world war the Reims Cathedral faced no damage.
Have you seen her in the arches of doors of Reims Cathedral?
I love how she stands out from her serene looking neighbors Indrani. I dig it. We all need to smile more; take a cue from this angel.
I am excited and started planning seeing these cathedrals.
They are beautiful, and detailed!
what an impressive architecture! the arches remind of the Notredame Cathedral. love the smiling angels–i've never angels with those smiles before.:p
I have been to France once and went to several cathedrals. I am always interested in seeing more. Great shots!
yes, with something so elaborately detailed, I could see how it would be hard to decide.
The details are exquisite!
look at expression in pics 2 n 3! Amazing
Indrani, thank you for sharing this beautiful cathedral and the lovely statues. Beautiful photos, have a happy week!
Love the details of the building, so wonderful to be in France.
impressive architecture. so easy to fall in love with the gothic churches of europe.
I've heard much about this cathedral, but I don't believe I'm seen such detail of the doorways. I'm glad you stopped here and got these photos to share with us.
Magnificent doors. I like the statues.
What incredibly stunning architecture. Wow.
Reims Cathedral belongs to the most beautiful Gothic churches.
It impresses me smiling angel. Is not it beautiful?
Regards:)
Lucia
So gorgeous, Indra and I love the angels so much!
Warm greetings from Holland,
Anna :))
Such an awesomely beautiful cathedral and what a history it has!! Fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing these, Indrani!! Have a great week!
Thanks for the angelic smiles 🙂
Aloha
Oh my gosh…what a beautiful building…amazing sculptures!
Hugs
SueAnn
beautiful entrance.