by PETER PRESTON with Denys Blakelock and Rolf Lefebvre
Today the cathedral stands as a breathtaking monument to the glory of God, even if tourists think it only worth ten minutes of their time.
How was it built and what were the motives? Was it right that in the 13th century things spiritual should have won over things material, and is it still right today?
Produced by JOHN TYDEMAN