A cathedral is the seat of a Catholic bishop, who oversees the diocese.
Catedra means "seat" in Latin.
The bishop's responsibilities include administering the diocese but also to teaching.
Given that most of the medieval population was illiterate, cathedrals used their artworks as powerful tools to convey Biblical teachings.
Notre-Dame's facade, for instance, was designed with this purpose in mind.
This approach is often referred to as a "Poor Man's Bible".
It provides a visual narrative for those unable to read.
High above the doors stand a series of stone figures representing the kings of Judah, the 28 descendants of Abraham.
Fun fact : in 1792, French revolutionaries mistook them for French kings and decapitated them. They have since been restored.
Just above the main door is carved the Last Judgement - depicting the final assessment of souls, with some ascending to heaven and others condemned to hell.
At the bottom, angels with trumpets are seen resuscitating souls.
Above, the archangel Michael is shown weighing souls on a set of scales - while a demon attempts to tip the scales in his favor!
To the left, the "saved souls" are depicted as pious and relaxed.
To the right, the "damned souls" are depicted as terrified and in chains, being led away by demons.
Importantly, a king, bishop and rich man are being crushed by a demon.
Notably, a king, bishop, and wealthy man are shown being crushed by a demon.
This crucially emphasizes that the Last Judgement affects everyone, regardless of status.
Hundreds of spectators are also represented - including Abraham, hiding 3 souls in his tunic!
At the top, Jesus presides over the scene, flanked by angels holding the holy cross, nails, and lance, the Virgin Mary and Saint John, all imploring him to show mercy.
The virtues and vices are depicted on each side of the door.
They are positioned at eye-level to serve as a cautionary tale for those entering the cathedral.
These representations are also found in other cathedrals, such as those in Amiens and Chartres.
Strength is portrayed as a knight holding a shield and a sword. Weakness is shown as a man fleeing from a rabbit!
Humility is symbolized by a woman holding a medallion with a bird. By contrast, pride is depicted as a man falling from his horse.
Wisdom is represented by a woman with a medallion featuring a snake, the symbol of medecine, whereas Folly is illustrated as a man walking barefoot, in the countryside, with a stick that is too short and drinking from a horn.
Perseverance is embodied by a monk, while Inconsistency is shown as a man running away from the monastery.
Patience is depicted as a woman holding a medallion with an ox, compared to Impatience, represented by a a young man threatening with his sword another man holding a book.
Justice is symbolized by a woman with a medallion featuring a phoenix, whereas Injustice is shown as a man trying to tip the scales in his favor.
Generosity is portrayed by a woman with a medallion featuring a ram, while Avarice is depicted as a man hiding his money in a safe.
Hope is represented by a woman looking up to the sky, contrasted with Despair, shown as a man piercing himself with his sword.
Gentleness is symbolized by a woman holding a medallion with a lamb, compared to Harshness, depicted as a man striking his servant.
Also featured on each side of the door are the apostles: Bartholomew, Simon, James, Andrew, John, Peter, Paul, James, Thomas, Philip, Jude, and Matthew.
The central part of the door depicts subjects taught at medieval universities : geometry (represented by the compass), dialectic (a pointed finger), medicine (herbs), philosophy (a book), astronomy (an astrolab), grammar (a young boy), music (bells).
Fun fact : some people believe that the facade holds clues to the location of the philosopher's stone.
They interpret one apostle pointing to another statue, which in turn points to... a mysterious location!
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