A couple weeks ago, we took a trip down to the region around Bordeaux, France. Since it was a long drive, we decided to stop by the famous Chartres Cathedral.
This ultimate expression of high Gothic architecture was truly amazing. It literally rises out of the town around it, disproportionately large. The cathedral was the site of numerous pilgrimages after one of the French monarchs (either Charlemagne or Charles the Bald) brought the supposed veil of the Virgin Mary to the cathedral after one of the crusades and countless pilgrims followed.
The building has survived numerous wars and restorations to retain its original grandeur and elegance. It took the shape you see today in the year 1260 when it was dedicated in the presence of King Louis IX (who is also known as Saint Louis).
Perhaps even more impressive than the building surviving a tumultuous French history, is the stained glass that dates from the early 13th century. Of the original 183 stained glass windows, 152 have survived. The blue hues are particularly renowned, especially this Madonna and Child.
This impressive monument to medieval builders is certainly one of my favorites. It’s easy to see why this was chosen as a world heritage site.
However, our real trip was to venture all the way to southern France into the area surrounding Bordeaux, France. So, until then…
–Jim
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