Chartres Cathedral

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Why
Chartres Cathedral
is special

This magnificent medieval Gothic cathedral in France has nearly 200 bright-hued stained glass windows dating back to the 12th and 13th Centuries.

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Chartres Cathedral

tips & insights

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Renowned windows

The huge roseate windows (see photo) above the cathedral's main entrances are particularly spectacular and justifiably world famous.

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Flying buttresses

The extensive windowing would have been impossible were it not for the newfound flying buttress construction method. It lowered the load-bearing responsibilities of the Chartres Cathedral walls, allowing them to be taller and full of sizeable holes for the windows.

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Sculptures

The outdoor sculptures of Chartres are almost as famous as the stained glass windows. They adorn the edifice's exterior around the doorways.

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Day tripping

Most visitors come from Paris on day tours. This wonder is located in its namesake city, Chartres, just about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Paris.

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