Cathedral of Chartres

Paris is the city of romance and love and thus the city remains a huge favorite with all tourists and lovers touring Europe. The city has some magical aura attached to it which is probably one of the main reasons behind its stupendous popularity. Paris noted for the innumerable monuments and museums sprawling all over the city simply cannot be afforded to be missed as this is a must for all those seeking to peek in to glorious history of France as this place has all that it takes to be a huge favorite. Cathedral de Chartres is one such destination in Paris which has always been a huge draw with visitors touring the city.

Cathedral de Chartres or La cathedral de Chartres is regarded as one of the finest examples of the typically Gothic style of architecture so popular in Europe and especially France.

Location of the Cathedral de Chartres

The Cathedral de Chartres is located at a distance of almost 50 miles from Paris.

History of Cathedral de Chartres

This particular cathedral was used mainly as a church for pilgrimage during the 12th century. There were many fairs held throughout the area surrounding the church and were mostly visited by the pilgrims going for pilgrimage. The cathedral at one point also functioned as a school and the discipline most popular at the cathedral was logic. The discipline was also hailed by many to be quite advanced and the students were taught by a particular John of Salisbury. The cathedral was also the main hub of economy and in Middle Ages functioned as a market place and the cathedral was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO only in 1979.

Description of the Cathedral de Chartres

The Cathedral de Chartres is actually a massive French Gothic masterpiece and although the cathedral was almost burnt down in 1020 it was later rebuilt by Bishop Fulbert. The cathedral has a cruciform with a 427 foot or 128m long nave with short trancepts to the south and north. The east end is round with an ambulatory with five semi circle shaped chapels surrounding the cathedral. The cathedral had buttresses in its original plan. The new nave stands 121 feet or 36meters and there are clustered columns and stained windows. There are almost 152 windows. The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Chartres. It is one of the most remarkable French cathedrals. There are two tall spires one almost rising to a height of 113 meters. As legends claim since 876 the Cathedral also hosted a tunic that was supposedly Blessed Virgin Mary.

Cathedral de Chartres can be reached from any part of Paris and France and of course the rest of the world. One needs to reach Paris from any where in the world. One can reach the place by air by Paris Roissy - Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport.

The Cathedral is open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10.30am to 3.00 pm and the cathedral is closed on 1st January and the 25th of December.

Admission fees are free for child under 18 and for adults it is EUR5/FFR36 adult

Come to Cathedral de Chartres and find a world so unique and set apart from the rest!