Plan of Cathedral at Tournai, 1146–1325

This is a plan of the Cathedral at Tournai, Belgium. It is an example of Netherlands Gothic architecture. The construction lasted from 1146 to 1325. “In the 13th century [Belgium and Holland] came under the influence of the great Gothic movement in France, and two or three of their cathedrals compare [favorably] with the French cathedrals. The finest example of earlier date is that of the cathedral of Tournai, the nave of which was built in the second half of the 11th century, to which a transept with north and south apses and aisles round them was added about the middle of the 12th century. These latter features are contemporaneous with similar examples at Cologne, and the idea of the plan may have been taken from them; externally, however, they differ so widely that the design may be looked upon as an original conception, though the nave arcades, triforium storey, and clerestory resemble the contemporaneous work in Normandy. The original choir was pulled down in the 14h century, and a magnificent chevet of the French type erected in its place. The grouping of the towers which flank the transept, with the central lantern, the apses, and lofty choir is extremely fine.”

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