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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Known for the stained glass windows, I was just as impressed by the series of sculptures of biblical scenes that surround the alter section of the cathedral. Most days there is a tour in English at...
Known for the stained glass windows, I was just as impressed by the series of sculptures of biblical scenes that surround the alter section of the cathedral. Most days there is a tour in English at... more »
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hopeless for a disabled person to drive to near cathedral and even then park - anyone with these conditions FORGET Chartres
hopeless for a disabled person to drive to near cathedral and even then park - anyone with these conditions FORGET Chartres more »
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What a beautiful Cathedral! We got a walk through, and admired all the beautiful glass windows. We stayed for mass, even though we did not know the language very well. It was well worth the trip from Paris.
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I have seen this cathedral from a distance many times - to get up close to this magnificent building is incredible....there are no words!!!
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