Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, was constructed between 1194-1220. Four earlier cathedrals, the first of which dates to the 4th century, were all destroyed by fire.

Legend has it that in the 800s the church acquired the Sancta Camisa, the tunic said to have been worn by Mary at the time of Jesus's birth. Because of this holy relic, the church became a popular pilgrimage site.

The 167 stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral are the most complete group surviving anywhere from the Middle Ages. Several windows date to the mid-12th century while over 150 survive from the early 13th century.Read more