Chartres Cathedral In The 12th And 13th Century

Located in Chartres, France, Chartres Cathedral (c. 1145-1155) was the heart of the town in the 12th and 13th centuries and still has a major impact on the city today. During the 12th and 13th centuries, however, the cathedral was a major factor in the town’s economy and served as a center for many activities, including trade. Each of the different portals served as a trade center for various sellers and products. Although the actual town was under separate government control, the region immediately surrounding the cathedral was under the jurisdiction of the church. This made the church eligible to tax the business transactions, and thereby stimulate the economy and establish a favorable relationship with the city. In addition to being an economic

In addition to supporting the tympanum and lintels, the doorjambs create a symbolic support for the pilgrims of this religion. Also, the presence of these figures establishes a distinction between secular and spiritual atmospheres. The didactic royal portal and the carved statues on the jambs illuminate the sacred location of Chartres Cathedral and, therefore, a sacred location for the pilgrims. As the pilgrims move through the doors, the detailed decorations seem to transport the pilgrim into a different world or place. Upon entering the cathedral, the pilgrims would see the outside light shining through the stained glass window and they would see incredible colors resembling jewels and making the interior space feel vibrant and alive. Chartres Cathedral utilizes many large, stained glass windows and consequently gives up wall space necessary for a stable structure. Chartres Cathedral is still amply supported, however, by the implementation of flying buttresses, indicative of the High Gothic style. These flying buttresses also support the rib vaults on pointed arches. Chartres Cathedral’s use of these four-part rib vaults on pointed arches, as well as the use of a three-story nave, set the standard

In addition to these contributions, Chartres Cathedral has also paved the way for Gothic architecture throughout art history. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it has become an educational example of this specific style of architecture due to its unique relationship between 12th century elements such as the facades and 13th century features like the nave and transepts. Moreover, this cathedral is a monument of Christianity; it is a destination for religious pilgrims everywhere. After their long journey when the pilgrims finally discover themselves at the threshold of this amazing church, they are transported into what seems to be a different world. As they enter, and the light from the massive and elaborate stained glass windows shines like jewels before them, the space is filled with a sensation as if this is heaven on earth. With the wide-open and glorious nave in front of them, pilgrims are able to navigate through this cruciform space without disturbing other worshippers. Opening the doors and crossing what seems to be a barrier between secular and spiritual, Chartres Cathedral becomes a place of prayer, comfort, and safety, and also a location for learning and understanding. Pilgrims and travelers alike experience this because of the particular architecture style of High Gothic. While Chartres Cathedral’s