1194: Chartres Cathedral

    
Image Sources

Innovation: Chartres Cathedral
Location: Chartres, France
Year: 1194

Chartres Cathedral is one of the finest examples of French High Gothic style, exemplifying  tall, slender stone structural systems. Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that peaked in the medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was followed by Renaissance architecture. Gothic architecture is characterized by: pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. [1] Flying buttresses allowed architects to greatly increase window size. Ribbed vaults were found to be superior because the vault allowed walls to be hollowed out and therefore be filled with windows and also be extended higher than previously possible. The reinforcing ribs allowed the vaults to be much thinner and carry greater weight loads. [2] The cathedral was completed in 1514 and is considered one of the best-preserved churches, which has seen little architectural change since the early 13^th century. [3] `

Cathedral Statistics: [3]

• Length: 130 metres (430 ft)
• Width: 32 metres (105 ft) / 46 metres (151 ft)
• Nave: height 37 metres (121 ft); width 16.4 metres (54 ft)
• Ground area: 10,875 square metres (117,060 sq ft)
• Height of south-west tower: 105 metres (344 ft)
• Height of north-west tower: 113 metres (371 ft)
• 176 stained-glass windows
• Choir enclosure: 200 statues in 41 scenesArticles: 1,2,3,4

Advertisement