Famous Cathedrals: Chartes

Many historians think the spot where Chartes Cathedral is located today has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years as a place of worship. However, the folks today worship quite differently than the ancient Druids historians think worshiped on the spot. They, along with other ancients, were drawn by what they felt was energy that emanated from the spot where the cathedral is today.

In 876 A.D. the church received a scrap of fabric that many thought had come from the garment Mary had on during the birth of Jesus. This piece of fabric is known as the Sancta Camisa. At one point there was a fire, but the Sancta Camisa was not destroyed. Many saw this as a sign that the church should expand and a huge building campaign was undertaken.

The additions were completed in 1223 A.D. and gave us the wonderful building we see today.

One of the interesting things about Chartes is the famous labyrinth dating back to the year 1200 A.D. The word labyrinth brings to mind images of mazes cut through boxwood hedges or even through corn mazes (we love those here in the South), however, the labyrinth at Chartes is a pavement maze. The original center piece has been removed but other areas have restored. Walking the maze takes one closer and closer to God.