Chartres - Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres - the Choir Screen by Beausoleil Star this if you like it!

The stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral are held to be one of the best-preserved and most complete set of medieval stained glass, notably celebrated for their colors, especially their cobalt blue usually referred to as "Chartres Blue". I've always been fascinated by the Choir sculptures, a stone wall with sculpted scenes that tell the story of Mary and Jesus. The wall is over 6 meters tall and 100 meters long, and has four levels: a base, clerestory, 40 niches, and a stone lace crown. The wall was commissioned in the 16th century to keep the laity out of the liturgical choir. On our previous trip they were in the process of being cleaned so we didn't see all of them. On this trip, the cleaning was done and it was magnificent. If you can't read, this is the bible in stone and in the Middle Ages, most people couldn't read. Another favorite part of the church is the ancient stone floor. It is worn and polished to a sheen. Every time I see it, I wonder how many people have walked there before me. There is an incredible feeling of history and continuity here.

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