The first birth of the Gothic cathedral of Reims dates back to 1211. It succeeded five older cathedrals, all located on the site of the former Gallo-Roman baths. More than two centuries were needed to achieve the monumental project. On July 17, 1429, the cathedral, painted in white and gold, witnessed the triumphal coronation of King Charles VII, led by Joan of Arc. It later suffered a significant fire in 1481 but was rebuilt thanks to a fast restoration partly financed by kings Charles VIII and Louis XII via a fraction of the salt tax incomes.