Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a Catholic
cathedral in
Chartres, France, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of
Paris. It is the seat of the
bishop of Chartres. Mostly constructed between 1194 and 1220, it stands on the site of at least five cathedrals that have occupied the site since the
Diocese of Chartres was formed as an
episcopal see in the 4th century. It is one of the best-known and most influential examples of
High Gothic and
Classic Gothic architecture. Chartres Cathedral is known for its
stained glass, and contains
167 stained-glass windows dating from the 12th century to the 20th century. This photograph shows the stained glass in the north
transept of Chartres Cathedral. The
rose window, which is 10.5 metres (34 feet) in diameter, was installed circa 1230 and contains imagery relating to the
Virgin Mary and figures from the
Old Testament. The presence of the
coats of arms of
King Louis IX and his mother
Blanche of Castile are taken as a sign of royal patronage for this window. Below the rose are five
lancet windows, each 7.5 metres (25 feet) tall, depicting
Saint Anne and four Old Testament figures.
Photograph credit: PtrQs 
