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 .