The Cathedral in Colour in Amiens
From 6/15/2013 to 9/15/2013
Join the crowd on the square in front of the Amiens cathedral!
The magic of colour, illusion and music. A thrilling experience 2 hours from Calais...
What would you say to a trip through time? The clock turns back and eight centuries parade before your eyes. The stopping point: the Middle Ages and the time of cathedral builders.
Fifty minutes of evasion
Night has already fallen on the square. The murmur of hundreds of impatient visitors waiting for the show to start rumbles in the background. Suddenly, music. We can hear whispers of "It's time, it's starting!" all around us, then silence. All faces are turned toward one of the most beautiful jewels of Gothic architecture. The cathedral gradually takes on its medieval colours; the portals are lighted, followed by the entire facade. Eyes open wide to take in the spectacle.
The origin of the show
During a laser cleaning, we made an incredible new discovery: the cathedral stones showed obvious traces of having been polychromed. Colour, which was cherished by our ancestors but forgotten for centuries, reappeared before our eyes. For an exceptional discovery, exceptional measure were taken: the work site was followed with enthusiasm for eight years by the people of Amiens and of Picardy in general. Xavier Bailly (Amiens) - Cultural Heritage Director
It makes us say to ourselves: "Eight years -- that's a long time!" The people of Picardy committed to an exceptional result. The temporary re-coloration (because it is visible from mid-June to mid-September and in December only) enables observing the details of the statues found on the portals: the colours of their eyes and hair, their clothing and even the shadows of drapery! Outstanding art.
And why so much colour in the Middle Ages?
Simply because the faithful preferred shiny materials and sparkling colours. In sum, because they worshipped colour, were attracted to its warmth and, above all, found it reassuring (colour was synonymous with light and thus with divinity).
Polyphony meets polychromy
A sound track gives rhythm to the show: twelve soloists add their voices on Place Notre Dame. Text passages are broadcast in five languages: French, English, German, Dutch and even Picard!
We enjoy it now because the show lasts only until September 18th.
Starting at 10:30 p.m. in July, 10 p.m. in August and 9:45 p.m. in September
FREE ENTRY
Duration: 45 minutes
For more information, contact the Amiens Tourism Office
6 bis, rue Dusevel - BP 1018
80010 Amiens Cedex 1
Tel: 00 33 3 22 71 60 50
www.amiens.fr/tourisme
Spend a night in Amiens and enjoy the surrounding area: Our ideas for the weekend are right here!