Cathedrale De Chartres, France - Church and Monuments

Monuments, Church

Not only is Chartres Cathedral one of the supreme achievements in the history of architecture, it is almost flawlessly conserved in its original design and details. Chartres' widespread cycle of gateway sculpture remains completely unharmed and its lustrous stained-glass windowpanes are all originals. Chartres is thus the only church that conveys an almost perfect illustration of how it looked when it was erected. In addition to its architectural grandeur, Chartres Cathedral has been a chief pilgrimage destination since the early middle ages. Its esteemed history, elegantly conserved architecture, and centuries of zealous devotion make for an ambiance of admiration and saintliness that electrifies even the most nonreligious.