Chartres Cathedral travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

The Cathedral of Notre Dame at Chartres, France is one of the foremost examples of High Gothic architecture. The cathedral displayed innovations in building techniques, sculpture and stained glass that set the standard for thirteenth-century architecture. Construction on the Romanesque foundations was begun in 1145, and the body of the cathedral was rebuilt between 1194 and 1220. Photo by: Navin Michael

Built of limestone, the cathedral is fascinating landmark, due to its green copper roof and two contrasting spires. The first of these is a 105 m plain pyramid dating from the 1140s; the second is 113 m northwest spire, the Clocher Neuf, completed in 1513. The cathedral plan is cruciform, with a spacious nave, 36 m and 128 m, with a floor labyrinth where pilgrims can walk. Photo by: kerrie2469

The cathedral used external flying buttresses in its original plan to provide structural support for the weight of the extremely high vaults. The architectural sculptures at Chartres, carved between 1145 and 1170, are among the first since Roman times to reflect more naturalistic, individualized characteristics. The cathedral is celebrated its 150 stained-glass windows and the color used, known as ”Chartres blue”. Photo by: Navin Michael