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 does Chartres mean in French?
Chartres in British English (ˈʃɑːtrə , ʃɑːt , French ʃartrə) noun. a city in NW France: Gothic cathedral; market town.
What region of France is Chartres in?
Chartres, town, capital of Eure-et-Loir département, Centre région, northwestern France, southwest of Paris. The town is built on the left bank of the Eure River, and the spires of its famous cathedral are a landmark on the plain of Beauce.
Who is buried in Chartres Cathedral?
Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, is one of the most authentic and complete works of religious architecture of the early 13th century. It was the destination of a pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary, among the most popular in all medieval Western Christianity.
What is the oldest church in France?
The basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains in Metz, France is one of the oldest churches in Europe. The building began life in the 4th century when Metz was an important Gallo-Roman city….
Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains | |
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Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap | |
General information | |
Town or city | Metz |
Country | France |
Why is it called the Royal portal?
The west portal of the Chartres Cathedral is called Royal Portal. It has been suggested that the designation “royal” refers to the Virgin as Queen of Heaven. This portal, begun in about 1150, offers an iconographical and technical conception of sculpture that is partially inherited from Romanesque portals.
Is Chartres Cathedral the same as Notre Dame?
Chartres Cathedral, also called Notre-Dame d’Chartres or the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Gothic cathedral located in the town of Chartres, northwestern France.
Why is Chartres called la capitale de la lumière?
The city lays on the banks of the river Eure, the town begins its life as a small river port. The Romans named to town as Autricum. In the 11th century Chartres becomes an intellectual and spiritual centre with the nick name “Capitale de la lumière et du parfum”, the capital of light and perfume.
Is Chartres in the Loire Valley?
About Chartres Chartres in the Loire Valley is an historic city on the river Eure, famous for its ornate cathedral and its reputation for producing fine perfumery.
Why does Chartres Cathedral have 2 different towers?
The two towers were built at different times, during the Gothic period, and have different heights and decoration. The north tower was begun in 1134, to replace a Romanesque tower that was damaged by fire. It was completed in 1150 and originally was just two stories high, with a lead-covered roof.
Who is the architect of Chartres Cathedral?
Master of ChartresChartres Cathedral / Architect
Where is Chartres located?
Chartres [1] is a small city in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, approximately an hour south-west of Paris by train. Population is 42,000 although that rises to 100,000 when the surrounding towns are taken into consideration.
How to get to Chartres from Paris?
The Gare de Chartres railway station offers frequent services to Paris, and a few daily connections to Le Mans, Nogent-le-Rotrou and Courtalain. The A11 motorway connects Chartres with Paris and Le Mans.
What to do in Chartres?
The main attraction for most visitors to Chartres is the 12th century cathedral, considered by many art historians to be the finest surviving example from the High Gothic period. In the last couple of years a new mayor has overseen the modernization of the centre of the town.
Which motorway connects Chartres with Paris?
The A11 motorway connects Chartres with Paris and Le Mans. Chartres is home to two semi-professional association football clubs; FC Chartres, who play in the French sixth division, and HB Chartres, who play in the seventh tier.