Labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral - Chartres, France
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 48° 26.834 E 001° 29.224
31U E 388122 N 5367115
A large and famous labyrinth is located in the nave of the Cathedral of Chartres in Chartres, France.
Waymark Code: WM11BGC
Location: Centre-Val-de-Loire, France
Date Posted: 09/22/2019
Views: 14
An unusual feature of this cathedral is a labyrinth located in the nave just as you enter the cathedral. The labyrinth is constructed of light and dark brown stone and has a diameter of 42 feet, making it the largest church labyrinth ever constructed during the middle ages. It is very popular with visitors to the church with many taking time out from their tour to walk along the path.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral located about 80 kilometres from of Paris. The magnificent Cathedral was constructed between 1194 and 1250. It is onsidered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current cathedral, mostly constructed between 1194 and 1250, is the last of at least five which have occupied the site since the town became a bishopric in the 4th century.
The church has an interesting history. It was begun in 1134, destroyed by fire in 1194, and then rebuilt. What remained after the fire were the lower parts of the west towers and the west portal. West façade is dominated by two asymmetrical spires. The south spire is completely original. It is a 349' (105m) high plain Romanesque pyramid dating from the 1140s. The flamboyant north spire is 377' (113m) high and exhibits a combination of late Gothic and early Renaissance characteristics. It was built on top of an older tower.
The cathedral survived the French Revolution in an exceptional state of preservation. The majority of the original stained glass windows survive intact. The façades, are adorned with hundreds of sculpted figures based on theological themes.
Price of Admission: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Weekday Hours: From: 8:30 AM To: 7:30 PM
Weekend Hours: From: 8:30 AM To: 7:30 PM
Roadside Attractions Website: [Web Link]
Location Website: [Web Link]
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