\b0 Built from red sandstone (a fragile material that has suffered from the elements), the cathedra
l of Notre-Dame has gone through several phases of construction. The apse and the transept are from the end of the twelfth century, the nave from the following century, along with many of the stained-glass windows, while the faτade dates from the fifteen
th century and the spire that soars above the building was built in 1439. The famous astronomical clock inside is from 1571. Nevertheless, the whole is given a sense of unity by the vertical rhythm that animates the faτade, the fiery color of the stone,
and the style of the statues in the cycles representing the \i vices and virtues\i0 , or the \i wise and foolish virgins\i0 . The moving representation of the synagogue is symbolized by a broken statue of a young and slender woman wearing a blindfold, bu
t it is also worth admiring the graceful silhouettes of the \i pillar of angels\i0 .\par
