How to Enjoy Chartres Cathedral
Located in the Loire Valley, Chartres Cathedral has stood as a religious and architectural icon since the eleventh century. This Gothic cathedral has survived wars, revolutions and even fire, and offers visitors some truly amazing sights. From the towering church spires to the extensive stained glass and on to the thirteenth century labyrinth, Chartres Cathedral should be a stop on any travelers visit to western France.
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Instructions
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Walk through the Gothic Nave. As you enter the cathedral, you will find yourself in a classic Gothic nave, with ceilings more than 120 feet above your head. This is the widest nave in France and is approximately 427 feet long. Clustered throughout, you will find columns that stretch to the highest points in the ceiling and break up the vast expanse of the nave.
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Navigate the Labyrinth. This thirteenth century Labyrinth measures 131 feet in diameter and was used by monks and pilgrims as a form of penance or for meditation. The bands of concentric circles offer only a single path to the center, which covers a distance of 964 feet.
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Enjoy the stained glass windows. Covering an area of approximately 28,000 square feet, the 152 stained glass windows at Chartres are more than 700 years old. This amazing collection of stained glass offers depictions of Bible stories and account of life in the thirteenth century. Each window is broken up into separate panes, which typically read left to right. The North Rose Window, West Rose Window, Blue Virgin Window and the Tree of Jesse are some of the most recognized stained glass windows in the world.
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Climb the tower. Stretching over 350 feet in height, climb to the top of the tower is a formidable task. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and then from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is a charge for admission.
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Explore the Crypt. This eleventh century crypt is the largest in France and offers a cool, quiet escape from the summer heat. Guided tours are offered for an additional fee, but are only offered in French.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're feeling adventurous, try traversing the Labyrinth on your knees (as did many who used it as a form of penance).
The Labyrinth is cleared for walking only on Fridays.
Tours of the Crypt are by guided tour only.
There is a free organ concert each Sunday at 4:45 p.m.
Photography is permitted, but not during services.
Tours of the Crypt are offered only in French.
