The First Building Campaign of Amiens Cathedral (1220–1233): The Construction of the Nave and Transept

The first major building campaign of Amiens Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, lasted until 1233 under the supervision of Robert de Luzarches. This phase focused on the construction of the nave and transept, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the largest and tallest Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

The Role of Robert de Luzarches (1220–1233)

• Luzarches was the chief architect responsible for the early stages of construction, emphasizing monumental scale, structural innovation, and spatial unity.
• His work set the soaring proportions of the cathedral, with a vault height of 138 feet (42 meters)—among the highest of any medieval cathedral.
• The nave and transept were completed under his direction, showcasing:
  • A spacious, light-filled interior, characteristic of the High Gothic style.
  • Tall clerestory windows, allowing for abundant natural light.
  • Strong vertical emphasis, with uninterrupted vaulting shafts leading the eye upward.

Transition to Thomas de Cormont (c. 1233 Onward)

• After Luzarches’ departure or death, Thomas de Cormont took over as master builder.
• His main contributions were:
  • The construction of the lower parts of the choir and apse.
  • Further refinements in the ribbed vaulting and support systems.
  • Continuing the harmonization of architectural elements, ensuring structural continuity.

Legacy of the Early Building Phases

• The nave and transept of Amiens Cathedral, completed by 1233, set the stage for the completion of the choir, apse, and facade in later decades.
• The cathedral remains a landmark of High Gothic architecture, influencing subsequent cathedrals in France and beyond.
• Luzarches and de Cormont’s contributions ensured that Amiens became one of the most structurally daring and artistically refined cathedrals of the Middle Ages.

The first construction phase of Amiens Cathedral (1220–1233) laid the foundation for its status as one of the greatest achievements of medieval Gothic architecture, combining unparalleled verticality, luminosity, and structural elegance.