Chartres << SHAHR truh or shahrt >> (pop. 38,752) is a city in north-central France that is famous for its cathedral, which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Chartres is the capital of the Eure-et-Loir department (administrative district).
Chartres Cathedral, officially called the Cathedral of Notre Dame, stands near the center of Chartres. It features beautiful stained-glass windows and hundreds of sculptured religious figures. It has two bell towers, one 378 feet (115 meters) high and one 350 feet (107 meters).
Chartres lies on a hill that is surrounded by grainfields. The Eure River runs next to the city. Chartres serves as a market for products of the surrounding area. Its other economic activities include flour milling; leatherworking; and the manufacture of electronic equipment, farm machinery, and home appliances. Chartres was founded by the Carnutes, an ancient tribe of Celts whose activities in Chartres were described by Julius Caesar about 50 B.C. The Chartres Cathedral was originally built in the mid-1100’s, but most of it was destroyed by fire in 1194. Most of the cathedral was rebuilt between 1194 and 1230.
