About the Stained Glass Windows
by Goner
Stained glass served three purposes in the Gothic Cathedral; it contributed to the beauty of the building, it allowed more light into the space (remember: in the middle ages "light" was associated with God) and finally, it served as a textbook for the illiterate congregation of the villages. The windows can be read just like a book and medieval villagers learned many biblical stories from the windows.
Stained-glass making was very popular during the 1300's-1400's. The glass was made from river sand, beechwood, and potash. Colors were made by adding metal oxides that were fused to the mixture. The pieces were assembled like a large puzzle and held together by lead. The glass was held together by two methods: bar tracery or plate tracery. Bar tracery is where thin stone bars were used to form a decorative pattern within the window opening and then the glass was inserted into the pattern.
The Northwest Spire
by Goner
Several alterations have been made to the cathedral. The northwest tower's distinctive spire (in the picture) was added in the early 1500s. This is the tallest of the two spires and is labeled flamboyant Gothic in style, which contrasts sharply with the rather plain Romanesque spire in the southwest corner. The spire is very ornate, it must have taken years of carving.
Consider Visiting the Musee des Beaux Arts
by hquittner
The Museum occupies the Bishop's Palace at the NE corner of the Garden behind the Cathedral. Photography is not allowed and I do not think there was a catalog. I am not sure if there was a fee. If you have lots of time and your eyes and mind are not tired , there a number of interesting 17 & 18C French paintings (Teniers and Champaigne) and a fine Zurbarin and some by Vlaminck! There are excellent tapestries and a special set of enamels by L. Limousin and the building is a delight in itself.
The Cathedral
by Kyrsun
It is a Gothic cathedral, built in the 12e c. .
It is very famous, because of its stained-glass windows.
In the center of the cathedral stands a curious labyrinth, full of mystical signs.
Pilgrims used to walk on it, meditating and praying.
Malcolm Miller Tour
by jnyvegas
His tours are @ 12:00 and 2:45 in english, I highly recommend this tour, he explains each panel in the stain glass window and what they represent. It is very interesting. Make sure to ask him about Dan Browns Da Vinci Code he can tell you about all the thing that are wrong with the book.
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Chartres en Lumieres : the Ferris Wheel
Jumpingfamily at Chartres Cathedral, France
The town hall
Saint Pierre's altar and stained-glass
