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Discover monumental facades adorned with thousands of stone statues. The exterior features intricately carved portals and two contrasting spires.
Chartres Cathedral presents a distinct silhouette thanks to its fast construction between 1194 and 1220. The exterior showcases an evolution of architectural styles, from early Romanesque stone figures to Late Gothic structures.
You can walk around the building to see three grand entrances and tall stone towers. Entry to the cathedral itself is free, but official guided tours and audio guides charge a fee.
15 mins
This is the oldest portal on the cathedral. It displays elegant, elongated statues representing kings and queens from the Old Testament. These 12th-century figures mark a clear shift from Romanesque to Early Gothic design.
15 mins
Builders added these richly decorated entrances later. The North Portal focuses primarily on the Old Testament. The South Portal displays scenes from the New Testament, including martyrs, confessors, and the Last Judgment.
10 minsBest viewed from the main square
The exterior features two contrasting towers that define the building's profile. The older south spire is a plain 105-meter pyramid completed around 1160. The north tower features an intricate 113-meter Flamboyant Gothic spire.
