Although the beautiful [P 012 / spires] are the first parts that are seen from a distance, they are often overlooked by the visitor standing right next to the cathedral. They are, nevertheless, extremely beautiful and are considered architectural masterpieces. Spires were seen by some medieval clergy as frivolous and over-decorative (by St Bernard of Clairvaux, for example, who favored the utmost simplicity when building churches). They were the visible illustration of medieval men's aspirations, built at a time when they tried to reach up to the heavens with a soaring spire.
The north and south towers and the [G 24 / portal], which stands between them (known as the royal portal), were originally about 40 feet further back than they are today. A covered porch in front of the portal was used to shelter pilgrims on their way into the cathedral to pray.
The foundations of the southern tower were laid around 1091 before the First Crusade. The spire was built between 1145 and 1170. The north tower foundations were constructed around 1110, at the same time as the construction of the portal and the three [G 19 / lancet] windows above it. The north spire was built much later, between 1507 and 1517. It was therefore built in the style of the Renaissance, which was much more decorative and elaborate than its older neighboring spire. In contrast, the southern spire, some 400 years older, is quite different. The octagonal spire rises simply and effortlessly out of the square tower without fuss or extra design and is considered a perfect piece of architecture.
