Typology: church / chapel
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"Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres" in #Chartres is a pinnacle of French gothic architecture. Construction of its current form began after a major fire in 1194 destroyed most of the earlier romanesque church (parts of the west façade and crypt survive from the 12th century). The gothic rebuilding was remarkably swift, with consecration in 1260. Key innovations include pioneering flying buttresses that support high vaults, enabling massive clerestory windows and thinner walls. It features a Latin cross plan, tall arcades, narrow triforium, and contrasting spires.
