Chartres is an unusually well preserved French Gothic cathedral with superb stained glass. Although work began on a Romansque cathedral most of it was built between 1194 and 1220 in an early Gothic style.
Chartres Cathedral represents the peak of church building. Perhaps for all time. Certainly it is the height (pun intended) of French Gothic architecture. Medieval citizens took their religion very seriously and were willing to spend outrageous amounts of time, money and craftsmanship in building their churches.
Two most significant things about Chartes are: It was build without modern equipment. 371 feet tall at it highest point, 430 feet long, 151 feet wide, occupying 117,000 square feet. It is still standing and soaring those amazing heights 800 years after construction was completed way back in 1220 AD.
