The Royal Portal Analysis

As I approach the Royal Portal also known as the west façade, to the left and the right of are the northern and southern tower. The south tower was completed in 1160 and is 349 feet tall. The North Star is 377 feet tall and is capped by a spire added in the early 16th century to an already existing tower. Between the towers are the three lancet windows. As I enter the central portal I look up and I see the breathtaking clerestory windows the high 120 feet ceilings, and large buttresses, your eyes are instantaneously drawn to the beautiful colorful stained glass windows that are the main source of light for the nave. As I walk father east of the nave between the cluster piers I see the north and south side aisles in the shadows to the side of me. I continue to
The image of the windows depict Mary and JESUS in the center groups of twelve are around the center which represent the twelve disciples, God, Christ and the Holy Church. Each series around Mary is 12 symbols the first being the four doves and eight angels, the next series are twelve old testament kings, the following group of twelve are four quarter foils with gold lilies and a vibrant blue field. The last outer semi-circles represent the twelve old-testament prophets. As I turn east in front of me on a four-step elevation is the crossing. You cannot walk through the crossing to get to the choir. To get to the choir we have to have to walk around the ambulatory instead where we find two entry doors on either north or south side. This is the entry door to the through the chancel screen. The Chancel screen carries forty frames, which tell the story of the lady virgin and the ministry of Jesus Christ. As we enter through the chancel screen we arrive at the choir, the choir leads us directly to the alter and the apse of the cathedral. On the Altar sits a beautiful marble