France: Dijon – Church of Notre-Dame

Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon is a must-see in the center of the historic old town and it is truly spectacular and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was built between 1230 and 1250 and the peak of Dijon’s wealth and power and thus reflects the over-the-top architectural design. Its striking facade, with three tiers of arches and 51 expressive gargoyles. The church’s famous owl carving on the exterior wall, worn smooth by generations of visitors rubbing it for luck, inspired the famous Dijon’s Owl’s Trail. Inside the church’s, the soaring nave features ribbed vaults and stunning stained-glass windows, including a rare 13th-century circular window in the choir depicting the Virgin Mary. The church is rather small compared to many other massive gothic masterpieces in France.