06-JUL-2006
Exterior view from the north
06-JUL-2006
Exterior view from the north
06-JUL-2006
Exterior view from the north
04-JUL-2006
The flying buttresses
A rather interesting feature of Gothic cathedrals. To make the great stained-glass windows possible, the walls are thin and simply not strong enough to support the roof. Instead, the load from the roof is taken up by the flying buttresses that slope down outside the walls. The buttresses end in small towers that lead the forces down to the ground.
04-JUL-2006
A stained-glass window
They look rather more impressive from the inside, of course!
04-JUL-2006
View from the Third Courtyard
The cathedral is huge, but is nestled in quite cramped surroundings. Not quite as bad as the Tưn, but bad enough! It is difficult to get a good overview of the thing, but the view from the courtyard gives a decent impression. You do need an ultra-wide lens to get it all inside the photo, though.
04-JUL-2006
The "Golden Gate"
This highly decorated gateway opens up to the St George Square.
04-JUL-2006
The "Golden Gate" detail
Yup, it's real gold in that mosaic.
06-JUL-2006
The Great Tower
The Great Tower of the cathedral is open to the (not too fat and out of shape) tourist, and gives an impressive view of the city in good weather. It's just a small matter of climbing a 300-step staircase to get there!
06-JUL-2006
View from the Third Courtyard
It is very tight quarters here, making it almost impossible to appreciate the cathedral. Walk into the very corner of the courtyard and it is doable, though.
06-JUL-2006
View of the Golden Gate
The eastern face of the cathedral opens to the St George square. The man himself is busy killing a dragon or something, up on his plinth.