The kings of France were once crowned in Reims Cathedral. Along
with the cathedrals of Chartres and Amiens, Reims is a member of
the illustrious triad of "High Gothic" or "Classical" French
cathedrals built in the 13th century. The original church on
this site was the basilica where Clovis was baptized by Saint
Remi, bishop of Reims, in 496 AD. A later cathedral was built on
the same site, but it burned down in 1211. The present Reims
Cathedral was completed by the end of the 13th century, with the
west front added in the 14th century based on 13th-century
designs. In the meantime, the nave was lengthened to make room
for the crowds that attended the coronations. In 1875 the French
National Assembly voted to fund extensive repairs of the façade
and balustrades. This façade is the finest portion of the
building, and one of the most perfect masterpieces of the Middle
Ages. What to See The towers, 267 ft. high, were originally
designed to rise 394 ft. The south tower contains two great
bells, one of which (named