Cathedral of Notre Dame, Noyon, France, photo by John Ecker, Pantheon Photography

CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME, NOYON, FRANCE:  This battle-scarred cathedral is still a wonder to visit.  This is where Charlemagne was crowned in 768, as was the first Capetian King, Hugh Capet, in 987.  That original cathedral burned in 1131, and then was rebuilt between 1145 and 1235.  It is an excellent example of early Gothic architecture in France.  The Town of Noyon was occupied by German forces in both the First and Second World Wars.  Internal and external walls still reveal the damage from the battles that raged in Noyon.  This photo shows scattered shrapnel damage on an exterior wall, a permanent reminder of the wars that have ravaged this beautiful cathedral.  Shot handheld with a Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm lens at 34mm, f11, 1/640 sec. ISO 2000.  Photo by John Ecker.