(historical monument)
Beautiful panorama is visible from the top of the belfry. To visit, apply to the verger (gratuity).
CATHEDRAL OF MEAUX
The building of the cathedral was begun at the end of the twelfth century and continued until the sixteenth. It has just been completely restored.
The left tower, the only one completed, has no spire. That on the right is called the Black Tower, because of its covering of slates. The façade is in the decorated Gothic style. A beautiful rose window in the middle dominates the three doorways.
The middle doorway and that on the right are surmounted by acute triangular gablets; that on the left, of a more obtuse ogive, is placed under an arch in accolade. The church is preceded by a parvis dating from 1610, which is reached by means of eight steps.
The stone used in the present building has, unfortunately, very little resistance and is weather-worn. In the course of the revolutions witnessed by the old cathedral, mutilations were added to the damage caused by weather.
The three rows of statuettes which adorn each porch are much spoilt, as are the bas-reliefs which decorate the tympanum.
The great statues which filled the niches have disappeared.