Noyon Cathedral

Noyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Noyon) is an impressive Transitional cathedral of the 12th and 13th centuries in northern France.

Noyon has long been a religious center - the present cathedral is the fifth to be built on this site. Both Charlemagne (768) and Hugh Capet (987) were coronated in Noyon Cathedral.

Begun in 1150 and completed by 1290, the present Noyon Cathedral replaced a predecessor that was destroyed by fire in 1131. It is considered a harmonious example of the transition from the Romanesque to Gothic style, and is one of the earliest Gothic cathedrals to be built in France.

Noyon Cathedral suffered much damage during the Revolution, and little decoration remains in the interior. One exception is a very rare 14th-century chancel screen and some medieval furnishings.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94) much admired Noyon Cathedral during his visit to the city. Of its east end he wrote:

Surrounding the cathedral is a complete cathedral quarter, which includes five main buildings: the refectory, with its cellar and loft; the episcopal prison and courtroom; the chapter-house (at present the sacristy); the treasury; and the chapter library.