Page 63 - DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - The World's Must-See Places

FRANCE 61

VEIL OF THE VIRGIN THE LABYRINTH
Set into the stone floor of the
The mira cui ous surviva I of this
nave is a labyrinth (13th century),
relic after the fire of 1194 made a feature often seen in Gothic
Chartres a pilgrimage site and churches. As a penance, pilgrims
attracted generous donations. The would follow the tortuous route
veil is said to have been worn by on their knees, echoing the
the Virgin Mary when she gave Way of the Cross. Thejouney of
~ Vaulted Ceiing birth to Jesus. 859ft (262m), around 11 bands
A network of ribs supports of broken concentric circles, took
the vaulted ceiling. at least one hour to complete.
~ Nave
As wide as the Romanesque crypt ~ Apsidal Chapel
below it, the Gothic nave reaches This chapel houses the cathedral's
a soaring height of 121 ft (37 m) oldest treasure, the Veil of the Virgin
relic. More artifacts can be seen in the
St. Pia t Chapel, whose I ower I evel
was once the chapter house.

~ S 1ai ned-Glass Windows
Chartres' windows cover a
surface area of more than
28,000 sq ft (2,600 sq m)

South Porch
The sculpture on the South
Porch (1197-1209) reflects
New Testament teaching.

~ Crypt
This is the largest crypt in France, most
of it dating from the early 11th century.lt
comprises two parallel galleries, a series of
chapels and the 9th-century St. Lubin's vault.

west fao;ade is a surviving KEY DATES
part of the origina I
1020 1194 1220s 1260 1507 1836 1974
Romanesque church.
Works starts on A fire partly lhe cathedral is lhe cathedral A Flamboyant lhe cathedral's lhe cathedral
a Romanesque destroys the rebuilt, with new is formally Gothic steeple is wooden roof is is added to
basilica with a Romanesque parts in the early consecrated. added to the damaged by fire. UNESCO's World
huge crypt. cathedral. Gothic style. north tower. Heritage Sle list.