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Chartres Cathedral, Chartres

4.7

#1 of 39 in Things to do in Chartres

Church Tourist Spot Must See

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Considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic cathedral architecture, Chartres Cathedral still has the majority of original stained glass windows intact, while the architecture has had only minor changes since the early 13th century. Come to venerate its most famous relic, the "Sancta Camisa," alleged to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary during Christ's birth.

The building's exterior is dominated by heavy flying buttresses with large the windows, while the west end is dominated by two contrasting spires: a 105 m (349 ft) plain pyramid completed in 1160 CE and a 113 m (377 ft) early 16th-century flamboyant spire on top of an older tower. Equally notable are the three façades, each adorned with hundreds of sculpted figures illustrating key theological themes. To visit Chartres Cathedral and get the most from your holiday in Chartres, create itinerary details personal to you using our Chartres online trip planner .

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Chartres Cathedral Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4,560 reviews

Google

4.7

• By dthiel2018

  Ein sehr beeindruckendes Bauwerk und in allen Bereichen und Details gut erhalten. Wir hatten diese Pracht nicht erwartet und haben den ca einstündigen Besuch genossen. Fehlende „Touristenmassen“ macht...  more »

  A very impressive structure and well preserved in all areas and details. We did not expect this splendor and enjoyed the approximately one hour visit. Missing "tourist crowds" made it particularly relaxed. This left enough time to get involved in the fantastic windows. For (through)travelers a must.
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• By Cees K

  Deze oude kathedraal in een middeleeuwse stad is net gerenoveerd. Te voet is het bereiken van deze kerk een behoorlijke klim. Als het donker wordt is de oude binnenstad zo ook deze mooie kerk verlicht...  more »

  This old cathedral in a medieval city has just been renovated. On foot, reaching this church is a decent climb. When it gets dark the old town is so also this beautiful church illuminated. You must have seen once
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Google

• By Jim Free

  Incredible cathedral with great original stained glass and stone work. Stunning first century relic "Veil of the Virgin", we had no idea was there. Stop and visit ASAP!

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• By Christine Kitchen

  Oh my! Where to start. This town is just so pretty, whatever time of year you visit....but in the summer is the added bonus of the wonderful light show at the Cathedral. If you are travelliing through, this is a very enjoyable stop.

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