60 – Chartres Cathedral Chartres, France. Gothic Europe. Original construction c. 1145-1155 CE., reconstruction c 1194-1220 CE., Limestone, stained glass (6 images)

 One of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture  The last of at least 5 which have occupied the site (war or fire destroyed earlier ones)  Most of the original stained glass windows survive intact, only minor changes in architecture (since 1220 CE)  Flying buttresses (which allowed the window size the increase significantly)

 Two contrasting spires: o 349 foot plain pyramid shape (1160 CE) o 377 foot Flamboyant (ornate decoration and tracery: intricate line pattern – also found in the magnificent windows) spire built on top of an older tower – taking 7 years to construct (early 1500 CE) – lightning destroyed the earlier tower  destination for travelers (Christian pilgrims) o famous relics: the Sancta Camisa – said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ’s birth . legend has it that it was given by Charlemagne (false) – it was gift by Charles the Bald – and it did not become an object for pilgrims until the 12th century o secular tourists – admiration for architecture and historical merit  in medieval times: a focal point for the town, acted as a kind of marketplace on different sides of the building for different types of important goods  built rather rapidly – giving it a cohesive design  still in use  Statistics: • Length: 130 metres (430 ft) • Width: 32 metres (105 ft) / 46 metres (151 ft) • Nave: height 37 metres (121 ft); width 16.4 metres (54 ft) • Ground area: 10,875 square metres (117,060 sq ft) • Height of south-west tower: 105 metres (344 ft) • Height of north-west tower: 113 metres (371 ft) • 176 stained-glass windows  Choir enclosure: 200 statues in 41 scenes  Plan; o Cruciform o Nave is three storied: arcade, triforium (gallery or just arches without windows with a simple passageway – not tall), and clerestory levels o Lots of windows (Stained glass!!!!!) o Flying buttresses – to support the thinner walls + higher stone vaults o Pier design influential and innovative and then used in other high gothic churches Stained glass: * most famous ins the Belle Verriere * Three large rose windows Three portals:  Jamb figures  Typanum  Lintels  Archivolts – ornamental molding following the curve on the underside of an arch

Great Portal of the West Façade

The Belle Verrière