Today is our first day trip out of Paris. We have identified several major cathedrals within 1-2 hours of Paris by train, and today we’re off to Chartres.
Chartres Cathedral was dedicated in 1260 but there was a cathedral dating from as early as the 4th century.
6.81 miles, sunny, 51 degrees, 91% humidity.
Richard’s ReLive video is here: https://www.relive.com/view/vwq1z1ydALv
The Royal portal dates from the 12th century.
The steeple (103 m), Royal portal, 3 stained glass windows, and north tower were saved as the Romanesque cathedral burned in 1194.
The three stained glass windows are from the mid-12th c. and are the ones saved from the 1194 fire. They are the passion and resurrection window, the incarnation window, and the Jesse window.
The floor labyrinth is in a very inconvenient place: near the entry door in the cathedral’s nave. Chairs eliminate any chance of walking the labyrinth.
The statue of the Assumption dates from the 18th century.
The south rose window (c 1225) shows the second coming of Christ.
This Blue Virgin window dates from the 12th century.
The choir screen curves around behind the altar from each of the north and south rose windows. Scenes of the life of Mary and Jesus were carved in stone in the 16th to 18th century.
This is the Chapel of Mary, where her veil is displayed. The Empress Irene of Byzantium sent it to Charlemagne as a gift. Charles the Bald, Charlemagne’s grandson, donated it to the cathedral in 876. According to experts, the relic, made of silk, probably dates from the first century and is Middle Eastern origin.
Before the 18th century, the relic was known as the “Holy Shift of the Virgin.” Pilgrims wore these medals and came in great numbers to Chartres to seek Mary’s intercession. The cathedral plans were envisioned of a size to meet the flock of pilgrims.
The image of the Virgin’s relic is seen throughout the cathedral. Here is one example in a stained glass window.
This polychrome statue made of pear wood was carved in the 16th century. She is placed on a pillar from the 13th c. rood-screen and now has a jeweled crown after it was added in 1855.
Crowns for the Virgin of the Pillar and her Lord.
These intricate gowns are used for ceremonial dressing of the Virgin of the Pillar.
The north Rose window (c. 1235) shows the Kings of Judah in the squares, and the Prophets in the circles.
The clock tower is newer, from the 16th century.
Even the sewer grates reflect the labyrinth symbol. It has been adopted for cathedrals recognized as UNESCO sites, but this is the first place we saw the icon in such a commonplace usage.
This is but another place that welcomes pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
This is a lovely town with lots of pedestrian-only streets and some medieval buildings. This building had a lovely mural on its front.
The tourist information center was in a medieval building. The base is smaller and then upper floors increase in size. The tax rates used the footprint measurement, so this was a means of “beating the taxman.”
8 Responses
Was it now you who said the story of the Bible is told by windows, carvings, and statues in the early churches? They are all beautiful, intricate, complex, and sometimes simple. I notice that the space and aviation tour tells the story of what we grew up with. I don’t think anyone will get bored learning about what happened before our generation and what is coming next. Finally, enjoy your apartment. How nice to unpack. Thanks for the travel log.
Churches really do visually reinforce the stories, and I like the saints stories to understand a point of view that sometimes highlights a local connection. The history is amazing.
Regarding the air and space museum, I agree we grew up with this, but it was interesting to me to see it from a French perspective. We have seen references to the Ariana rocket more than once and it’s good to know how important it was here.
It is good to unpack, do laundry, and know the transportation hubs around our apartment. We ride the buses, Metro, regional trains, and longer-distance trains. How wonderful to have so many options!
A great choice to spend your day. One of the more elaborate and beautiful churches we have seen on your adventure. We are impressed with the historical knowledge you have about each church and other places you have visited. Makes our visit with you all the more enjoyable! Dan and Wendy
We love the cathedrals and planned to visit as many as possible. Chartres has been a favorite, partly for the very clear signage for visitors. Each cathedral has its own story to tell—part of the enjoyment of each visit.
We’re on the move every day to take advantage of the sights, but it makes blogging a bit tougher—sorry to be behind!
This has been very interesting and informative. The cathedral was outstanding. HUGE!
It does seem that all these cathedrals are huge! Chartres was one of our favorites!
Chartres is now my favorite of all the cathedrals you’ve blogged about. It has so much beauty and intricacy, and so much history. Your telling of the history makes it come alive, Jan!
We both rate Chartres as one of the very best that we have seen. The history and mythology make it interesting to me too.