Bourges - Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

The "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges" was erected as a replacement for an 11th-century structure. The construction started probably in the last quarter of the 12th century, around the same time when the builders and bricklayers started in Chartres. The choir of the cathedral was in use by 1214, the nave was finished 1255. The cathedral was consecrated in 1324.

The cathedral covers a surface of 5,900 m². The nave is 15 metres wide and 37 metres high, the inner aisle is 21.3 metres high. There are no transepts, but two aisles on either side forming a double ambulatory around the choir.

The cathedral retains many of its original stained-glass windows, which dates from about 1215.

This window depicts the "Parable of the Prodigal Son" (Luke 15:11–32). In the story, a father has two sons. The younger son asks the father for his inheritance, and the father grants his son's request. However, the younger son is wasteful and squanders his fortune, eventually becoming destitute. He is forced to return home empty-handed and intends to beg his father to accept him back as a servant. To the son's surprise, he is not scorned by his father but is welcomed back with celebration. Envious, the older son refuses to participate in the festivities. The father tells the older son "you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours, but thy younger brother was lost and now he is