Chartres Cathederal
Originally Chartres on the left bank of the Eure River on the plains of Beauce, was occupied by Druids from a Celtic tribe, the Carnutes who worshipped a virgin giving birth to a God.
At a later time in Europe when support for the Crusades was strong and cult following for the Virgin Mary was widely accepted, Chartres became a major and wealthy Christian pilgrimage centre. In the 9th century the Virgin’s veil was housed in Chartres, increasing the interest of pilgrims and successive churches and then cathedrals were built on the site. |
The current cathedral is the sixth successive church on this site. |
Initial building of the Chartres Cathedral was damaged by fire in 1194 and subsequent reconstruction took place over a 26 year period. This resulted in the building of the Nave, porches, flying buttresses and sculptures from the middle of the 12th century and 176 outstanding stained-glass windows followed from the 12th and 13th centuries, all of which established the reputation of the Notre-Dame de Chartres as a major example of Gothic architecture and art.
Designed on a Latin-cross plan the cathedral is 134 metres in length and dominated by two towers – the taller of the two being one of the tallest in France at 115.18 metres.
Today Chartres is a city of wide boulevards, bordered by elms, encircle the old town with its steep, narrow streets that lead down to picturesque houses by the river. The modern city is an important route between Paris and the Loire Valley; and toward Brittany.
Icon Holidays can arrange your visit to Chartres, with our range of superb hotels to choose from, private transfers and personal recommendations to help you enjoy this significant site.
