Who designed the Chartres cathedral?
As the cathedral was rebuilt, the famous west rose window was installed between the two towers (13th century), and in 1507, the architect Jean Texier (also sometimes known as Jehan de Beauce) designed a spire for the north tower, to give it a height and appearance closer to that of the south tower.
What makes Chartres cathedral Gothic?
The cathedral represents the true prototype of the Gothic cathedral characterized by a longitudinal body with a nave and two aisles and an elevation on three levels – arcade, triforium, clerestory – crossed by a short transept and ending in a deep presbytery with ambulatory and radiating chapels.
Why was Chartres Cathedral a perfect example of Gothic architecture?
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.
How many stained glass windows are in Chartres Cathedral?
Unlike almost all other medieval cathedrals, it has never been significantly rebuilt or extended (other than its 16th century second spire). Its 176 original stained glass windows are the most complete set of medieval stained glass in the world. The cathedral is believed to be the fifth on the site.
When did Chartres Cathedral become a World Heritage Site?
The cathedral at Chartres was among the first sites to be included in the Unesco list of world heritage in 1979. It is regarded as one of the great masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Chartres was the first cathedral to use flying buttresses extensively.
Which is the best preserved cathedral in France?
Chartres Cathedral is among the best preserved of the major French cathedrals, with extensive programmes of sculpture and stained glass. It was a major site of pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin Mary, to whom the cathedral is dedicated.
How is Chartres Cathedral similar to Laon Cathedral?
In many ways, the cathedral’s design resembles those of its contemporaries, especially Laon Cathedral, but it displays innovations with its tall arcades, unusually narrow triforium, and huge clerestory—the massive weight of which required using flying buttresses in an unprecedented manner.