The spires of most cathedrals are a matched (or a nearly matched) pair, but these two are each of a noticeably different design. Originally they were built to stand free and the entrance was about forty feet beyond. When it was rebuilt after the great fire in 1194, the interior was enlarged and the entrance moved to be flush with the towers.

This Notre Dame has three rose windows - one each on the west, the north, and the south sides. The more than half an acre of impressive windows, in which blue glass predominates, depict 5,000 figures. Enormous columns holding up the ceiling of the nave are of two specific designs, with alternating round and square detail.

Books by Jim and Emmy Humberd:
Invitation to France
Invitation to Germany
Invitation to Italy

Related Link:
Medieval Architecture: High Gothic - Chartres
City of Chartres
Chartres Cathedral

Hotels in Chartres