This SPIRE is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and for nearly seven centuries has been the admiration of architects and archæologists because of the science, audacity and solidity of its construction, which was proof against fire, the inclemency of the weather, and German shells.
THE SPIRE OF THE CATHEDRAL
Its summit is 255 feet above the ground. Octagonal in shape, it rests on the square base of the tower.
The transition from the square to the octagon is masked by the four pinnacles (each supported by three small columns), which occupy the four corners of the square.
The upper part of the spire is pierced with eight highly ornamented dormer windows; the arrises of the spire are decorated with crockets.
This construction reveals the great art of the architect, who knew how to break the monotony of the spire's long, sloping lines without making them appear heavy.
The little Place du Parvis shown above is charming in its archaical decoration.
The edifice seen on the left of the photograph is the old home of the Vermandois family, modified in the fourteenth century. One can walk round the courtyard of the old dwelling, entering through the door seen between two big trees.
Between the house of Vermandois and the church stands the Chapter House (see p. [59]).