Chartres Cathedral facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Chartres Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
Chartres Cathedral
Religion
Affiliation	Catholic Church
Province	Diocese of Chartres
Rite	Roman
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Cathedral
Status	Active
Location
Location	16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres, France
Location in France
Architecture
Architectural type	Church
Architectural style	French Gothic, Romanesque, High Gothic
Groundbreaking	1126 (Romanesque) 1194 (Gothic)
Completed	1252
Website


UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria	Cultural: i, ii, iv
Inscription	1979 (3rd Session)
Monument historique
Official name	cathédrale Notre-Dame, Chartres
Designated	1862
Reference no.	IA28000005

Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres), is a famous Catholic church in Chartres, France. It's about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Paris. This amazing building is the main church for the Diocese of Chartres.

Most of the cathedral was built between 1194 and 1220. It stands where at least five earlier cathedrals once stood. These older churches were built and then destroyed by fires or wars since the 4th century. Chartres Cathedral is a top example of High Gothic and Classic Gothic styles. It has Romanesque foundations. Its north spire was built later, between 1507 and 1513, in a fancy style called Flamboyant Gothic.

Many people call Chartres Cathedral "one of the most beautiful and important cathedrals in all of Europe." In 1979, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site. They called it "the high point of French Gothic art" and a "masterpiece."

The cathedral is very well-preserved. Most of its original stained glass windows are still there. The building's design has changed very little since the early 1200s. Outside, you'll see huge flying buttresses. These allowed builders to make the windows much bigger. The west side has two different spires. One is a plain pyramid from around 1160, about 105 meters (349 feet) tall. The other is a fancy 16th-century Flamboyant spire, about 113 meters (377 feet) tall. The three main entrances, called façades, are also famous. They have hundreds of carved figures showing important religious stories.

Since the 12th century, the cathedral has been a key place for travelers. Many Christian pilgrims visit to see the Sancta Camisa. This is believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary when Christ was born. Many tourists also come to admire the cathedral's art and architecture. A special statue, the Black Madonna, was honored by Pope Pius IX in 1855.

History of Chartres Cathedral
What Makes Chartres Cathedral Special?
- How the Cathedral Was Built: Flying Buttresses
The Towers and Clock
The Portals and Their Sculptures
Angels and Monsters
Nave and Ambulatory
Stained Glass Windows
The Crypt (9th–11th Century)
The Grand Organ
The Labyrinth
Chapel of Saint Piatus and Gardens
Pilgrimages and the Sancta Camisa
Chartres Light Celebration
Images for kids
See also

History of Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral by night

Chartres Cathedral has a long history, with several churches built on the same spot over many centuries.

Earlier Churches on the Site

At least five cathedrals have stood here. Each one replaced an older building damaged by war or fire.

The first church was built by the 4th century. It was burned down in 743.
The second church was set on fire by Danish pirates in 858.
This church was rebuilt but destroyed by fire again in 1020. A small part of it, the Saint Lubin Chapel, is still under the current cathedral.

After the 1020 fire, Bishop Fulbert decided to build a new cathedral. He asked for help from kings and nobles across Europe. Even Cnut the Great, King of Norway, Denmark, and England, gave money. The new cathedral was built on top of the old one. It had a walking area (ambulatory) around the old chapel. This section still exists today.

In 1134, another fire damaged the front and bell tower. Work on the north tower began in the 1120s. It had a wooden spire by 1142. The south tower started around 1144 and was finished by 1150. It was 105 meters (345 feet) tall. The beautiful Royal Portal on the west side, the main entrance, was likely finished around 1140.

Rebuilding After the Great Fire of 1194

On June 10, 1194, a huge fire destroyed most of the cathedral. Only the crypt, the towers, and the new front (façade) survived. The cathedral was already famous for its holy items, especially a piece of cloth believed to be from the Virgin Mary. Money for rebuilding came from kings, nobles, and ordinary people.

Reconstruction started right away. The parts that survived, like the two towers and the Royal Portal, were used in the new design. The main hall (nave), side aisles, and lower parts of the transepts (the arms of the cross shape) were built first. Then came the choir and chapels. By 1220, the roof was in place. Most of the new cathedral, with its stained glass and sculptures, was finished in just 25 years. This was incredibly fast for that time! The cathedral was officially reopened in October 1260. King Louis IX of France was there.

Changes Over the Centuries

The crowning of Henry IV of France in the cathedral on February 27, 1594

Not many big changes happened after 1260. In 1326, a new chapel for Saint Piatus of Tournai was added. Another chapel was opened in 1417 by Louis, Count of Vendôme. Its fancy Flamboyant Gothic style looks different from the older chapels.

In 1506, lightning hit the north spire and destroyed it. Architect Jean Texier rebuilt it between 1507 and 1513 in the Flamboyant style. He also started building a new screen (rood screen) that separated the choir from the main seating area.

On February 27, 1594, King Henry IV of France was crowned here. This was unusual because kings were usually crowned in Reims Cathedral. But Reims was not safe at the time.

The 1836 fire of Chartres Cathedral by François-Alexandre Pernot (1837)

In 1753, some parts of the inside were changed. Stone pillars were covered, and tapestries were replaced. The rood screen was taken down. Some stained glass was replaced with clear glass to make the altar brighter.

French Revolution and 19th Century

During the French Revolution, a crowd tried to destroy the sculptures. But other townspeople stopped them. The cathedral became property of the French government. It was not damaged further.

In 1836, a fire destroyed the wooden roof and bell towers. But the main structure and stained glass were safe. The old roof was replaced with a new one made of iron and covered with copper. This iron frame was one of the largest in Europe at the time.

World War II and Saving the Cathedral

Inside the roof-space, the charpente de fer, built around 1840

In August 1944, during World War II, American forces were near Chartres. They thought German soldiers might be using the cathedral's towers as a lookout. An order was given to bomb the cathedral.

However, American Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr. questioned the order. He went with another soldier to check. Griffith saw that the cathedral was empty. He then rang the cathedral bells as a signal for the Americans not to shoot. The order to fire was canceled. Colonel Griffith died in battle later that day. He was honored by both the French and American governments for saving the cathedral.

Recent Restoration Work

Since 2009, a big restoration project has been cleaning the cathedral inside and out. The goal is to make it look like it did in the 13th century. The walls, once dark, are now white and light colors. This has caused some debate, as some people prefer the older, darker look. But others say it was needed to protect the building.

What Makes Chartres Cathedral Special?

Chartres Cathedral is about 130 meters (426 feet) long. Its nave, the main part, is 37 meters (121 feet) high. The south-west tower is 105 meters (345 feet) tall, and the north-west tower is 113 meters (377 feet) tall. It has 176 stained-glass windows and 200 statues in its choir area.

How the Cathedral Was Built: Flying Buttresses

Chartres floorplan (1856) by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc
The elevation of the nave, showing the gallery, the narrow triforium, and the windows of the clerestory
Flying buttress supporting the upper walls and counterbalancing the outward thrust of the vaulted ceiling, allowing thin walls and greater space for windows
Flying buttresses seen from above
The vaults of the roof, connected by stone ribs to the pillars below, combined with the flying buttresses outside make possible thinner walls, and the great height and large windows of the cathedral

The cathedral's shape is like a cross, common for Gothic cathedrals. This shape was set by the older Romanesque church underneath it.

A key invention at Chartres was the use of flying buttresses. These are heavy stone supports outside the building. They push against the upper walls, balancing the outward force from the arched ceilings (vaults) inside. This was one of the first times flying buttresses were used in a Gothic cathedral. They allowed builders to make the walls thinner and much taller, with huge windows.

The ceilings inside are made of rib vaults, which are lighter and can span wider spaces. Because of the buttresses, the architects could remove a whole level of galleries inside. This left much more room for windows high up. Other big cathedrals like Amiens Cathedral and Reims Cathedral later copied this design.

The large pillars inside, called pilier cantonné, are also special. They are made of alternating round and octagonal shapes, with smaller columns attached. This design is strong and elegant. It helps support the roof and allows for the large stained glass windows above.

The Towers and Clock

The Flamboyant Gothic north tower (finished 1513) (left) and older south tower (1144–1150) (right)
Detail of the south tower
Detail of the Flamboyant Gothic north tower
The clock pavilion, with a 24-hour astronomical clock

The two towers of Chartres Cathedral were built at different times. They have different heights and decorations. The north tower started in 1134. It was finished in 1150 with a wooden spire. The south tower began around 1144 and was finished in 1150. It's 105 meters (345 feet) tall.

Both towers survived the big fire of 1194. In 1507, architect Jean Texier designed a new, fancier spire for the north tower. This was finished in 1513. The north tower is now 113 meters (377 feet) tall, just a bit taller than the south tower.

At the base of the north tower, there's a small building with a 24-hour astronomical clock. It was built in 1520 by Jean Texier. The clock face is 18 feet wide!

The Portals and Their Sculptures

The cathedral has three main entrances, called portals. They are on the west side and in the north and south transepts. These portals are covered with rich sculptures. They show Bible stories and religious ideas for everyone to see, even if they couldn't read. The sculptures on the west side are considered some of the best Gothic art.

West, or Royal Portal (12th century)

Central tympanum of the Royal Portal. Christ seated on a throne, surrounded by the symbols of the Evangelists.
Jambs of the center doorway of the Royal Portal, with statues of Old Testament figures.
West portal, tympanum of left door. It shows Christ on a cloud, with figures representing the months and Zodiac signs.

The Portail royal (Royal Portal) on the west side survived the 1194 fire. It was then included in the new cathedral. The two side doors are usually open for visitors. The central door is only opened for special events, like when a new bishop arrives.

These portals are key places for sculptures on Gothic cathedrals. The west façade at Chartres was one of the first to use sculptures like an encyclopedia of religious knowledge. Each of the three portals focuses on a different part of Christ's story.

The right portal shows Christ's birth on Earth.
The left portal shows his Ascension or his life before birth.
The center portal shows his Second Coming at the End of Time.

Above the right portal, carvings show the Annunciation, Nativity, and Presentation in the Temple. Above this, the tympanum shows the Virgin Mary and Child on a throne. The arches around it show the Seven Liberal Arts and famous thinkers.

The left portal is a bit of a mystery. The tympanum shows Christ on a cloud, with angels. Some think it's the Ascension of Christ. Others think it's the Second Coming. The arches have signs of the zodiac and the labours of the months, showing the cycles of time.

The central portal shows the End of Time, as described in the Book of Revelation. Christ is in the middle, surrounded by symbols of the four evangelists. The lintel below shows the Twelve Apostles.

Tall, slender statues of kings and queens stand on the columns next to the doorways. These are called jamb statues. They are why it's called the Royal Portal. They likely represent kings and queens from the Old Testament.

North Transept Portals (13th century)

Saint Anne holding the infant Virgin Mary on the central portal of the north transept.
The tympanum over the center portal of the north transept. It shows the Dormition (Death) and Assumption of the Virgin, and her Coronation.
New Testament figures Simeon, John the Baptist, and Saint Peter.
Unidentified characters from the Old Testament.

The sculptures on the north transept portals focus on the Old Testament and events leading up to Christ's birth. They especially highlight the Virgin Mary. The central portal shows Mary's glory. The left shows her son's birth. The right shows Old Testament stories and prophecies.

The deep porches around these portals have many other carvings. These include local saints, Old Testament stories, plants, strange beasts, and scenes of daily life.

South Portal (13th century)

Christian Martyrs framing the south portal (13th century); including the "Perfect Knight" Roland, (far left) and Saint George (second from right)
Central doorway of the south portal, with column statue of Christ.
The Apostles.

The south portal was added later, in the 13th century. It shows events after Christ's Crucifixion, focusing on Christian martyrs. The central part shows the Last Judgemnt and the Apostles. The left part shows the lives of martyrs. The right part shows saints who were confessors (people who confessed their faith).

The arches and columns of the porch are richly decorated. They show the tasks of the months, signs of the zodiac, and statues of virtues and vices. Above the porch, there are statues of 18 kings, starting with King David. These show Christ's family line, connecting the Old and New Testaments.

Angels and Monsters

Angel with a sundial on south facade
Gargoyle on the north tower, serving as a rain spout
Detail of the south tower, with statuary of Chimeras
Detail on the south portal depicting angels looking down upon hell
Monsters and devils tempting Christians on the south portal

While most sculptures show saints and Bible figures, some at Chartres are meant to warn people. These include statues of monsters and demons. Some, like gargoyles, also had a job: they were rain spouts to direct water away from the walls. Others, like chimeras, were there to show what happens if you ignore religious teachings.

Nave and Ambulatory

Notre Dame de Piliers statue and chapel off the nave
Fragment of a reputed veil of Virgin Mary, displayed in the Chapel of the Martyrs

The nave is the main area where people sit during services. It was designed to welcome pilgrims. The floor slopes slightly so it could be washed every morning. The nave also has a famous labyrinth on its floor.

The statue of Mary and baby Christ, called Our Lady of the Pillar, is a replacement. The original 16th-century statue was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Stained Glass Windows

Lancet windows under the west rose window; the Jesse Window or genealogy of Christ (right); Life of Christ (center), and the Passion of Christ (left)

One of the most amazing things about Chartres Cathedral is its stained glass windows. There are 167 of them! They include large rose windows, round windows (oculi), and tall, pointed lancet windows. The cathedral's design, with its rib vaults and flying buttresses, allowed for much taller and thinner walls. This meant more and bigger windows could be installed, especially high up.

Chartres has fewer plain or grisaille windows than later cathedrals. It has more windows with deeply colored glass. This makes the inside of Chartres darker, but the light is richer and more colorful.

Oldest Windows (12th Century)

Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrière or the Blue Virgin (around 1180 and 1225)
Detail of the Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrière

The oldest windows are in the cathedral. The right window, the Jesse Window, shows Christ's family tree. The middle window shows Christ's life. The left window shows the Passion of Christ. These three windows were made around 1145.

The most famous 12th-century window is "Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrière," or "The Blue Virgin." It's in the choir. The top part, showing the Virgin and Child with angels, is from around 1180. The Virgin wears a blue robe and sits on a throne, with the Christ Child on her lap. This image is based on a famous statue in the crypt. The lower part of the window, showing Christ's childhood, was added around 1225.

Rose Windows

The west rose window around 1215
North transept rose window, around 1235
South transept rose window, around 1221–1230

The cathedral has three large rose windows.

The western rose window (around 1215) shows the Last Judgment. Christ is in the center, surrounded by angels and figures rising from their tombs.
The north transept rose window (around 1235) is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It shows Mary and Child in the center, surrounded by angels and Old Testament kings and prophets. This window was likely paid for by the French king and his mother.
The south transept rose window (around 1225–30) is dedicated to Christ. He is in the center, surrounded by angels. Below it, four lancet windows show the four evangelists sitting on the shoulders of four prophets. This shows how the New Testament builds on the Old Testament.

Windows in Aisles and Choir

Scene from the Good Samaritan window; Christ tells the Good Samaritan parable to the Pharisees
The Good Samaritan window
Shoemakers at work in the Good Samaritan window

Each section of the aisles and choir has a large lancet window. These windows, made between 1205 and 1235, show stories from the Old and New Testaments, lives of saints, and symbolic images like zodiac signs. One famous example is the Good Samaritan parable.

Many windows at Chartres show local tradesmen or workers in the lowest panels. They show details of their tools and how they worked. People used to think these images showed the guilds (groups of workers) who paid for the windows. But now, historians think it's more likely the church wanted to show that it welcomed everyone, including ordinary workers.

Windows High Up (Clerestory)

The windows high up in the clerestory have simpler, bolder designs. Most show a standing saint or Apostle. These windows are made of two lancets with a rose window above. They mainly show saints and Old Testament prophets.

Later Windows

Window of the Vendôme Chapel, around 1415

Chartres' windows have been very lucky. Most of the medieval glass survived wars and religious conflicts. A few windows were replaced with lighter glass in the 14th century to let in more light. In the 15th century, the Vendôme Chapel was added, which included a beautiful late-Gothic window.

About 152 of the original 176 stained glass windows still exist. This is more than any other medieval cathedral in the world!

During World War II, most of the stained glass was removed and hidden to protect it. After the war, it was put back. Now, there's an ongoing effort to protect the windows from damage.

The Crypt (9th–11th Century)

The Well of the Saints Forts, in the Saint Fulbert Crypt
12th century fresco in the Saint Lubert Crypt, showing the Virgin Mary on her throne of wisdom, with the Three Kings to her right and Savinien and Potenien to her left

The small Saint Lubin Crypt, under the choir, was built in the 9th century. It's the oldest part of the building. A much larger crypt, the Saint Fulbert Crypt, was finished in 1025. It's U-shaped and 230 meters (755 feet) long. It's one of the largest crypts in Europe and forms the foundation of the cathedral above.

The crypt has old Romanesque arched ceilings. One interesting part is the Well of the Saints-Forts. This well is 33 meters (108 feet) deep and might be from Celtic times. Legend says early Christian martyrs were thrown into it.

Another important spot is the Our Lady of the Crypt Chapel. It holds a piece of cloth believed to be the veil worn by the Virgin Mary. This relic was given to the cathedral in 876. The chapel also has a 12th-century fresco showing the Virgin Mary on her throne.

The Grand Organ

The grand organ
The grand organ. The tribune, or case, dates from the 14th century.

The wooden case of the grand organ is one of the oldest in France. It was first built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1475. It was made bigger in 1542. Both the organ and its case are considered historic monuments.

The organ is placed high up in the nave, 16 meters (52 feet) above the floor. This helps the sound fill the whole cathedral. The case is 15 meters (49 feet) tall. The top of its central tower is 30 meters (98 feet) above the nave floor.

The organ was rebuilt and made larger between 1969 and 1971. It now has 70 stops and over 4,000 pipes!

The Labyrinth

Plan of the labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral
Walking the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral

The labyrinth (from the early 1200s) is a famous pattern on the floor in the center of the nave. Labyrinths were common in Gothic cathedrals. They symbolized the long, winding path to salvation. Unlike mazes, there's only one path to follow.

On certain days, the chairs in the nave are moved. This allows visitors and pilgrims to walk the labyrinth. Many churches and cathedrals around the world have copies of the Chartres labyrinth.

Chapel of Saint Piatus and Gardens

Chapel of Saint Piatus of Tournai, added in 1326 to the east of the apse
Labyrinth in the gardens of the bishop
Chapel of Saint Piatus of Tournai (left), apse of the cathedral and the old bishop's residence

The Chapel of Saint Piatus of Tournai was added to the cathedral in 1326. It's at the east end, near the apse. It held holy items from Saint Piatus, a bishop from the 3rd century. The chapel has four sections and beautiful 14th-century stained glass. The lower floor was used for meetings, and the top floor connected to the cathedral.

The bishop's palace, a brick and stone building from the 17th century, is also nearby. Its gardens offer a great view of the cathedral, especially the east end with its radiating chapels. The lower garden also has a labyrinth made of hedges.

Pilgrimages and the Sancta Camisa

Chartres was a place of pilgrimage even before the Gothic cathedral was built. People came to a well in the crypt, believing it held the bodies of early Christian martyrs.

In 876, the cathedral received the Sancta Camisa. This is believed to be the tunic worn by Mary when Christ was born. Legend says Charlemagne gave it to the cathedral, but it was actually a gift from Charles the Bald.

In 1194, when the cathedral burned, the Sancta Camisa was thought to be lost. But it was found three days later, safe with priests who had protected it.

By the late 12th century, Chartres became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. Four big fairs were held here, matching important feast days of the Virgin Mary. Many pilgrims came to see Mary's cloak.

Today, Chartres still attracts many pilgrims. Many come to walk the labyrinth, praying as they go. The cathedral removes chairs from the nave on Fridays during certain times of the year so people can walk the labyrinth.

Chartres Light Celebration

One exciting event at Chartres Cathedral is the Chartres Light Celebration. During this time, the cathedral and many other buildings in the town are lit up with beautiful lights. It's a celebration of electricity and the city's history.

Images for kids

Angel with a sundial on south facade
Gargoyle on the north tower, serving as a rain spout
Detail of the south tower, with statuary of Chimeras
Detail on the south portal depicting angels looking down upon hell
Monsters and devils tempting Christians on the south portal
Notre Dame de Piliers statue and chapel off the nave
Fragment of a reputed veil of Virgin Mary, displayed in the Chapel of the Martyrs
Scene from the Good Samaritan window; Christ tells the Good Samaritan parable to the Pharisees
The Good Samaritan window
Shoemakers at work in the Good Samaritan window
Window of the Vendôme Chapel, around 1415
The Well of the Saints Forts, in the Saint Fulbert Crypt
12th century fresco in the Saint Lubin Crypt, showing the Virgin Mary on her throne of wisdom, with the Three Kings to her right and Savinien and Potenien to her left
The altar (18th century) by Charles-Antoine Bridan
Sculpture on the choir screen (16th–18th century)
The grand organ
The grand organ. The tribune, or case, dates from the 14th century.
Plan of the labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral
Walking the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral
Chapel of Saint Piatus of Tournai, added in 1326 to the east of the apse
Labyrinth in the gardens of the bishop
Chapel of Saint Piatus of Tournai (left), apse of the cathedral and the old bishop's residence