West façade
North transept portal
North transept façade
Ambulatory
The double ambulatory (1140-1144) of the abbey church of Saint Denis, is one of the earliest examples of gothic architecture, aiming at the same time to be colossal and light.
Designed at the request of abbot Suger, one of the most significant innovative elements of the new style was the continuity of the windows, "the wonderful and uninterrupted light of the most sacred windows."
Choir
Nave
View from north transept into nave and aisle
Elevation of nave
Nave and aisles
Following the example of Troyes, the triforium and clerestory are linked. By glazing the back wall of the triforium completely, it became an annex of the clerestory window
The changes of design of the main arcade are clearly visible (ca. 1231-1235).