What is the Chartres famous for?
Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, is one of the most authentic and complete works of religious architecture of the early 13th century. It was the destination of a pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary, among the most popular in all medieval Western Christianity.
What relics are at Chartres?
The church was also a major centre of pilgrimage and the pilgrims were a key factor in the thriving economy of the town. The pilgrims were attracted by the cathedral’s relics of the Virgin Mary, which included her veil, but more importantly La Sainte Chemise, or in Latin Sancta Camisia.
Was Chartres a pilgrimage church?
For centuries, Chartres has been a pilgrimage destination. The origin of this lies in the cathedral’s relic, known today as the Veil of the Virgin, which was donated to the Church of Chartres by Charles the Bald in 876.
Was Chartres built all at once?
The people of Chartres built a new one, but unfortunately, it lasted only a century and was burnt down when the Viking leader Hastings torched the city in 858. Undeterred, the people soon had a third cathedral, which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and consecrated in 876.
Why is Chartres Cathedral Sacred?
The building has survived fires, the Reformation, the French Revolution and two World Wars, and its miraculous endurance has inspired believers. The natural site itself has long been considered holy, and is believed to have been a place of Druid worship before the Christian era.
What is the labyrinth in Chartres?
The Labyrinth of Chartres, a Cathedral in France, is part of the pilgrim’s quest on their journey to the holy land. The Chartres Cathedral labyrinth is the most famous of these, but labyrinths began to appear all over Europe in the 12th century.
What is the significance of the Chartres Cathedral?
The Chartres Cathedral – A Sacred Site for Ancient Druids and Christians. The monumental Chartres Cathedral hides within its walls stories which connect the world of ancient Druids, the cult of the Divine Feminine and Christianity. It is located on a leyline linking Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and the Pyramids of Egypt.
What is sacred destinations?
Welcome to Sacred Destinations! We invite you to join us for unique tours, retreats and weekend experiences that combine the enjoyment and cultural immersion of a holiday with the spiritual and meditative quality of a retreat.
Where did the legend of Chartres come from?
Its legendary roots come from the time when Druids, the Celtic priests of Britain and Gaul, held sacred rites there. The territory of Chartres was highly influenced by the Carnutes, a Gaulish people who had a vast Druid assembly. They were mentioned by Gaius Julius Caesar and Livy, who recorded the legendary traditions of the Carnutes.
How long is the labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral?
The path through the labyrinth is 964 feet (293.83 meters) long. In the past the labyrinth had a metal plate with figures of Ariadne, Theseus, the Minotaur and other characters related to the mythical labyrinth of Minos. Plan of the labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral.