Chartres Cathedral in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral website
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
cathedrale-chartres.monuments-nationaux.fr

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1979
Size of heritage: 1.06 ha
- Buffer zone: 62 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 1,487°
Latitude: 48,448°

Summary

Partly built starting in 1145, and then reconstructed over a 26-year period after the fire of 1194, Chartres Cathedral marks the high point of French Gothic art. The vast nave, in pure ogival style, the porches adorned with fine sculptures from the middle of the 12th century, and the magnificent 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows, all in remarkable condition, combine to make it a masterpiece.

Location on Map

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Chartres Cathedral: A Testament to Gothic Architecture

Chartres Cathedral, located in the Department of Eure-et-Loire in the Centre Region of France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the grandeur and beauty of Gothic architecture. With its rich history and remarkable state of preservation, the cathedral continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

History

The construction of Chartres Cathedral began in 1145, replacing an earlier church that had been destroyed by fire. The cathedral was built to house the Sancta Camisa, a relic believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary during the birth of Jesus. This relic attracted pilgrims from far and wide, making Chartres an important religious destination.

Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent several expansions and renovations, resulting in the magnificent structure we see today. The most significant additions occurred in the 13th century when the original Romanesque choir was replaced with a larger Gothic one, and the iconic spires were added.

Architecture

Chartres Cathedral is renowned for its exceptional Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. The exterior of the cathedral features intricate sculptures and stunning stained glass windows, which are considered some of the finest examples of medieval stained glass in the world.

One of the most striking features of the cathedral is its two asymmetrical spires. The north spire, known as the "Old Chartres," was completed in the 12th century, while the south spire, known as the "New Chartres," was finished in the 16th century. These spires, reaching heights of over 100 meters, dominate the skyline of Chartres and serve as a symbol of the city.

Current State

Chartres Cathedral has been remarkably well-preserved over the centuries, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The cathedral underwent a major restoration campaign in the mid-19th century, led by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who aimed to return the building to its original medieval splendor.

Today, the cathedral continues to be an active place of worship, hosting daily Masses and religious ceremonies. It also attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its architectural beauty and experience its spiritual significance.

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
Place Saint Pierre 11
28000 Chartres
France

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Chartres

Published: August 19, 2013
Length: 44:08 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Gerard Verite

2013 - Pâques à Chartres

Published: April 02, 2015
Length: 32:40 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Centre Œcuménique et Artistique de Chartres /

Spectacle de la Chorale Internationale du Chemin Neuf à Chartres le dimanche de Pâques 2013.

2014 - Pâques à Chartres

Published: April 02, 2015
Length: 30:02 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Centre Œcuménique et Artistique de Chartres /

Rétrospective de Pâques à Chartres 2014.

Chartres - katedra

Published: August 06, 2011
Length: 53:33 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: acmecorporation

Chartres - katedra.

シャルトル大聖堂内の豪華なステンドグラス

Published: April 25, 2014
Length: 14:51 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: kobeoyaji

世界遺産シャルトル大聖堂内の豪華なステンドグラス当日は復活祭（イースター）でミサが行われていました。（終了後に撮影）

Vetrata dell'incarnazione - Cattedrale di Chartres

Published: February 25, 2015
Length: 27:49 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: PHOTOOKIT

Il video descrive - quadro dopo quadro - la vetrata dell'Incarnazione della Cattedrale di Chartres. La vetrata, del XII secolo, è inserita nel trittico della facciata Occidentale. Musica:...

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Near airports

Chartres Champhol Airport
Small airport - 2 mi (3 km)

Toussus-le-Noble Airport
Medium airport - 35 mi (57 km)

Paris-Orly Airport
Large airport - 44 mi (72 km)

Pontoise - Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airport
Medium airport - 51 mi (83 km)

Blois-Le Breuil Airport
Medium airport - 55 mi (88 km)

Paris-Le Bourget Airport
Medium airport - 57 mi (91 km)

Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Large airport - 62 mi (101 km)

Rouen Airport
Medium airport - 66 mi (107 km)

Paris Beauvais Tillé Airport
Medium airport - 75 mi (121 km)

Tours-Val-de-Loire Airport
Large airport - 78 mi (127 km)