Gothic Cathedral Masterpieces: Chartres, Sainte-Chapelle, León

Chartres Cathedral: A French Gothic Icon

Constructed by master builders in the late 12th century in France, Chartres Cathedral maintains the typical Gothic cathedral plan, featuring three naves in the main body. The transept is centrally located along the longitudinal axis, with double aisles. The ambulatory, with its radiating chapels, is covered by ribbed vaults. As the central nave is wider, its vaults feature irregular ribs. These ribs descend along the walls to compound pillars, enhancing the temple's sense of verticality, further emphasized by the great height of the central nave. The naves are separated by pointed arches. Above, a triforium appears, consisting of bundles of four arches, and at the highest level, clerestory windows.

Chartres boasts magnificent stained glass windows depicting biblical themes. Their structure follows the typical Gothic pattern. Externally, the thrusts of the vaults are collected by flying buttresses. The main facade features three entrances, a large rose window, and two spired towers. These towers are from different periods: Romanesque and Flamboyant Gothic. The west portal exhibits more Romanesque reminiscences, as it survived a fire that damaged the transept facades, which are also monumental.

Chartres is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, retaining an uncommon stylistic unity among cathedrals due to its relatively swift completion.

Sainte-Chapelle: Rayonnant Gothic Masterpiece

Sainte-Chapelle, designed by Pierre de Montreuil for Louis IX, was constructed between 1240 and 1248 in Paris. It consists of two superimposed levels, forming two chapels, both completely polychromed. The upper chapel, with its single nave, reaches a height of 15m. Its walls have been almost entirely replaced by windows depicting religious themes. It lacks flying buttresses, relying instead on slender, internal buttresses.

The lower chapel was intended for the palace staff and common people, while the upper chapel served the monarch and his court. Sainte-Chapelle is considered the epitome of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, as most of its walls are translucent, with stone replaced by vast expanses of stained glass.

León Cathedral: The "French" Cathedral of Castile

León Cathedral, built from the 13th century onwards in León, Spain, is a prominent example of Gothic architecture. Its main facade was inspired by Chartres Cathedral. It features a triple entrance with pointed arches, surmounted by square towers and a large rose window, adorned with pinnacles.

The Latin cross basilica plan is very similar to Reims Cathedral, with the only difference being that the sections at the foot of León Cathedral are slightly reduced. It consists of three naves, a transept also with three naves aligned with the main body, and a polygonal apse with an ambulatory and radiating chapels. Its vaults are supported, with lateral thrusts transferred outwards by buttresses. The supporting walls in the nave are divided into three levels, featuring large windows.

Its interior is therefore notable for its lightness, sense of spirituality, and symbolism. It has been considered the most "French" cathedral in all of Castile. It stands out for its slenderness and its magnificent collection of stained glass windows, which are among the best in the world.