Gothic rebuilding of Chartres Cathedral

Timeline

1. c. 1145–1175Chartres Cathedral · ChartresWork on the west facade and Royal Portal began around 1145, retaining part of the Romanesque structure while introducing Gothic elements such as pointed arches and flying buttresses, accumulating experience for the later full rebuilding.
2. 1180–1194Chartres Cathedral · ChartresIn the 1180s pilgrims still flocked to the old church enshrining the Black Virgin; the west facade already had Gothic features while the nave and much else remained Romanesque, forming a composite transitional appearance.
3. 1194–1260Chartres Cathedral · ChartresAfter the 1194 fire, the church and citizens quickly raised funds to build a new High Gothic nave, aisles, and extensive stained glass, establishing the exemplary scale and aesthetics of French cathedral architecture.