The cathedral of Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of 13th-century Gothic architecture, where the kings of France were once crowned. It was begun in 1211 and completed at the end of the 13th century, with the exception of the upper parts of the western towers. The cathedral is frequently compared to Chartres, which was begun some 15 years earlier, but also the choir plan derives directly from that of the nearby church of St Remi. Inscriptions included the names of four master masons; Jean d'Orbais, Jean le Loup, Gaucher de Reims and Bernard de Soissons. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.