Romanesque Ruin Becomes a Model Gothic Cathedral
by hquittner
Notre Dame of Chartres was a new Romanesque Cathedral built to house its sacred relic, the shirt (tunic) worn by Mary when she gave birth to Jesus. In 1194 with only 1 1/2 towers completed, it was consumed by fire leaving only the towers and West wall standing. Amazingly, the tunic was also unscathed. An hysterical wave of emotion enveloped all the people for miles around that this was a Sign and a new Gothic Cathedral was built in 25 years (except for minor aspects). Originally the doorways and wall were recessed 40 feet on a line with the backs of the towers, but they were now brought forward. The original wall only went to the tops of the lancet windows and this was altered slightly to continue upward with the latest architectural creation, a Rose Window. Vertical pilasters for rhythm were added and eventually the North Tower and a spire in Flamboyant Gothic were added and this is what we see now!
Tree of Jesse
by Goner
A lancet is a single window with a pointed arched head and the stained glass panels always tell a biblical story. The 12th-century lancet window in the picture is entitled the Jesse Tree, it traces Christ's genealogy. The tree rises up from Jesse, father of David, at the bottom to Christ enthroned at the top. You can see it below the West Rose Window, if you have sun advantage, you will marvel at the colors. The colors in this lancet are so vivid they shine like jewels were embedded in the window. Truly an amazing piece of art.
Stained Glass window.
by Toyin
Chartres Cathedral is well known for its stained glass windows in the middle ages, many people were not able to read. Thus windows were a sort of script cartoon. These colured glasses told the story of the bible or the saints life.
Look carefully for the details ...
by shrimp56
On the left is a figure holding a sundial. It is on the corner of the cathedral as you go around to the south side -- but you could easily miss it.
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Perhaps it's because I am short that I forget to look up -- but this time I was rewarded with a 21st century contrail behind the spire of a gothic cathedral!
Inside the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
by mvtouring
The one thing I read about when researching the place prior to leaving for Europe, was the fantastic Cathedral. It seem that the town is best known for the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, widely considered to be the finest gothic cathedral in France. Its historical and cultural importance is recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The abbey church of St Pierre, dates back to the 13th century. It contains, besides some fine stained glass, twelve representations of the apostles in enamel, created about 1547 by Léonard Limosin.
The inside of the church is just magnificent.
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Medieval Garden in Chartres
Chartres Cathedral
Inside Chartres Cathedral, France
Stained-glass windows
