What is the Chartres famous for?

Chartres is best known for its cathedral, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, which is considered one of the finest and best preserved Gothic cathedrals in France and in Europe. Its historical and cultural importance has been recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

What is Chartres Cathedral best known as?

Chartres Cathedral, also called Notre-Dame d’Chartres or the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Gothic cathedral located in the town of Chartres, northwestern France.

What does Chartres mean in English?

Definitions of Chartres. a town in northern France that is noted for its Gothic Cathedral. example of: town. an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city.

Why is Chartres Cathedral such an important example of the evolution of the Gothic style?

Chartres Cathedral is one of the chief examples of Gothic architecture. Because it was built in the early years of the period, it does bear some influence from the earlier Romanesque period. Chartres is particularly known for its decorative door jambs, which contain dozens of human figures.

Why are cathedrals built facing east?

In the catholic liturgy, it describes an eastward orientation of celebrating Mass, according to the “cosmic sign of the rising sun which symbolizes the universality of God.” [1,2] It is interesting to note that the earliest churches in Rome had the main entrance facing east and an apse with the altar to the west; the …

Where is the Cathedral of Chartres in France?

Chartres Cathedral, Gothic cathedral located in the town of Chartres, northwestern France. Generally ranked as one of the three chief examples of Gothic French architecture, it is noted not only for its architectural innovations but also for its numerous sculptures and its much-celebrated stained glass.

How many stained glass windows are in Chartres Cathedral?

One of the most distinctive features of Chartres Cathedral is the stained glass, both for its quantity and quality. There are 167 windows, including rose windows, round oculi, and tall, pointed lancet windows.

Who was the Bishop of Chartres in the 11th century?

At the beginning of the 11th century, Bishop Fulbert besides rebuilding the Cathedral, established Chartres as a Cathedral school, an important center of religious scholarship and theology. He attracted important theologians, including Thierry of Chartres, William of Conches and the Englishman John of Salisbury.

Why was the Chartres Cathedral called the new bell tower?

From 1142 to 1160, they completed the remarkable royal portal and the South Tower with its lofty spire. As to the North Tower, the people called it the “new” bell tower, because it only contained two levels. Unlike previous fires, the blaze of 11 June 1194 spared the crypt, the majestic western façade and its towers.