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Chartres Cathedral Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Chartres Cathedral: History, Architecture, and Significance

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Chartres Cathedral: History, Architecture, and Significance Study Guide

Historical Context and Chronology

The majority of the current Gothic structure of Chartres Cathedral was constructed between 1000 and 1050 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The current Gothic structure was largely constructed between 1194 and 1220 AD, following a significant fire in 1194. The period of 1000-1050 AD predates the major Gothic construction phase.

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At least ten earlier cathedrals have stood on the site of the current Chartres Cathedral.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that at least five earlier cathedrals have occupied the site of the current Chartres Cathedral, not ten.

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Bishop Fulbert initiated a major reconstruction of the cathedral after a fire in 743 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bishop Fulbert initiated a significant reconstruction following a fire in 1020 AD. The fire in 743 AD occurred much earlier and was addressed by different figures.

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The 'Cult of Carts' involved penitents dragging carts laden with supplies to aid the cathedral's rebuilding around 1145.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Cult of Carts' refers to a religious event around 1145 during the cathedral's rebuilding, where penitents reportedly dragged carts laden with supplies to the site, demonstrating public enthusiasm for the project.

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A fire on June 10, 1194, destroyed the entire cathedral, including the crypt and towers.

Answer: False

Explanation: While a devastating fire occurred on June 10, 1194, it did not destroy the entire cathedral. The crypt and the towers of the west facade survived and were incorporated into the subsequent Gothic structure.

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The new Gothic structure of Chartres Cathedral was largely completed within 10 years after the 1194 fire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The major portions of the new Gothic cathedral were largely completed within approximately twenty-five years after the 1194 fire, with the formal re-consecration occurring in 1260.

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King Louis IX of France attended the formal re-consecration of Chartres Cathedral in 1260.

Answer: True

Explanation: The re-consecration of Chartres Cathedral in October 1260 was attended by King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis.

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Henri IV of France was crowned in Reims Cathedral in 1594 because Chartres was occupied by the Catholic League.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually reversed. Henri IV of France was crowned in Chartres Cathedral in 1594 because Reims Cathedral was occupied by the Catholic League, making the traditional site inaccessible.

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The 1836 fire at Chartres Cathedral destroyed the structure and stained glass windows.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1836 fire primarily destroyed the lead-covered wooden roof and the belfries. The main structure and the renowned stained glass windows remained intact.

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The School of Chartres, under Bishop Fulbert, was a minor center for religious scholarship.

Answer: False

Explanation: The School of Chartres, under Bishop Fulbert's leadership, was a preeminent center for religious scholarship and theological development in the 11th century, significantly influencing Scholastic philosophy.

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Where is Chartres Cathedral located?

Answer: Chartres, France

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral is situated in the city of Chartres, France.

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What event in 1194 led to the major reconstruction of Chartres Cathedral in the Gothic style?

Answer: A devastating fire

Explanation: A significant fire in 1194 destroyed much of the cathedral, prompting its reconstruction in the prevailing Gothic style.

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How long did it take to largely complete the new Gothic structure after the 1194 fire?

Answer: Approximately 25 years

Explanation: The major portions of the new Gothic cathedral were largely completed within approximately twenty-five years after the 1194 fire.

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Who attended the formal re-consecration of Chartres Cathedral in 1260?

Answer: King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis)

Explanation: The re-consecration of Chartres Cathedral in October 1260 was attended by King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis.

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Why was Henri IV crowned at Chartres Cathedral in 1594 instead of the traditional site of Reims?

Answer: Reims Cathedral was occupied by the Catholic League.

Explanation: Henri IV's coronation occurred at Chartres Cathedral in 1594 because Reims Cathedral was occupied by the Catholic League during the French Wars of Religion, making the traditional coronation site inaccessible.

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What was the cause of the 1836 fire at Chartres Cathedral?

Answer: Workmen's negligence

Explanation: The 1836 fire was caused by workmen's negligence, leading to the destruction of the roof and belfries.

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Bishop Fulbert is noted for his role in rebuilding the cathedral and establishing what?

Answer: A significant cathedral school

Explanation: Bishop Fulbert is noted for his role in rebuilding the cathedral after the 1020 fire and for establishing Chartres as a significant center for religious scholarship.

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What historical event led to Henri IV's coronation taking place in Chartres instead of Reims?

Answer: The French Wars of Religion

Explanation: Henri IV's coronation at Chartres in 1594 occurred during the French Wars of Religion, when Reims was inaccessible due to occupation by the Catholic League.

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Architectural Design and Features

Chartres Cathedral is predominantly characterized as a prime example of Romanesque architecture, with its Gothic elements representing later additions.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Chartres Cathedral is predominantly recognized as a prime example of High Gothic and Classic Gothic architecture. While it incorporates elements of Romanesque architecture, particularly in its earlier foundations and crypt, the primary architectural style is Gothic.

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The exterior of Chartres Cathedral is characterized by its flying buttresses and a single, uniform spire on the west end.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While the cathedral features prominent flying buttresses, the west end is distinguished by two spires of differing styles: a plain pyramid spire and a taller, more ornate Flamboyant Gothic spire.

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Chartres Cathedral's nave is approximately 130 meters high.

Answer: False

Explanation: The nave of Chartres Cathedral is approximately 37 meters high. The figure of 130 meters refers to the cathedral's total length.

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The south-west tower of Chartres Cathedral is taller than the north-west tower.

Answer: False

Explanation: This is incorrect. The north-west tower, completed in the Flamboyant Gothic style, stands taller at 113 meters, compared to the south-west tower's height of 105 meters.

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Flying buttresses in Gothic cathedrals primarily serve a decorative purpose.

Answer: False

Explanation: Flying buttresses are a crucial structural innovation in Gothic architecture, serving the primary purpose of transferring the outward thrust of the vaulted ceilings to external piers, thereby allowing for thinner walls and larger window openings.

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The 'pilier cantonné' design refers to the large rose windows found in the transepts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'pilier cantonné' design refers to the pier structure composed of bundled half-columns that support the vaults, not to the rose windows.

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Gargoyles on Chartres Cathedral function solely as decorative architectural elements.

Answer: False

Explanation: While gargoyles are decorative, they also serve a vital practical function as rain spouts, directing water away from the building's masonry to prevent erosion and damage.

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The north tower's spire was rebuilt in the Romanesque style after being damaged by lightning.

Answer: False

Explanation: The north tower's spire was rebuilt in the Flamboyant Gothic style between 1507 and 1513, following damage from lightning, not in the Romanesque style.

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The Grand Organ's wooden case at Chartres Cathedral dates back to the 14th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The wooden case (buffet) of the Grand Organ at Chartres Cathedral is indeed one of the oldest in France, dating back to the 14th century.

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What is the predominant architectural style of Chartres Cathedral?

Answer: High Gothic and Classic Gothic

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral is predominantly recognized as a prime example of High Gothic and Classic Gothic architecture.

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Which architectural feature allowed for thinner walls and larger window spaces in Gothic cathedrals like Chartres?

Answer: Flying buttresses

Explanation: Flying buttresses provided external support, counteracting the outward thrust of the vaults, which enabled the construction of thinner walls and the incorporation of larger window openings characteristic of Gothic architecture.

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Which of the following is NOT a key external architectural feature of Chartres Cathedral?

Answer: A large, domed roof

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral is characterized by flying buttresses and two distinct spires on the west facade, but it does not feature a large, domed roof.

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What does the 'pilier cantonné' design refer to?

Answer: The pier design composed of bundled half-columns.

Explanation: The 'pilier cantonné' refers to the distinctive pier design in Chartres Cathedral, where bundles of four half-columns support the vaults.

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What is the approximate height of the taller north-west tower of Chartres Cathedral?

Answer: 113 meters

Explanation: The north-west tower, completed in the Flamboyant Gothic style, stands at 113 meters (371 ft).

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What practical function do gargoyles on Chartres Cathedral serve?

Answer: To act as rain spouts, directing water away from walls.

Explanation: Gargoyles serve a practical function as rain spouts, directing water away from the building's masonry to prevent erosion and damage.

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What is the approximate length of Chartres Cathedral?

Answer: 130 meters

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral has a total length of approximately 130 meters (430 ft).

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The 'pilier cantonné' design allowed for what architectural feature?

Answer: Larger clerestory windows

Explanation: The 'pilier cantonné' design, by providing strong support, enabled the construction of larger clerestory windows, allowing more light into the cathedral.

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Sculptural and Stained Glass Artistry

The portals of Chartres Cathedral are decorated with sculptures that act as a visual encyclopedia of biblical stories and theology.

Answer: True

Explanation: The portals are richly decorated with sculptures that illustrate biblical stories and theological concepts, serving as a visual 'summa' or encyclopedia of knowledge for both clergy and laypeople.

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The central portal of the west facade depicts Christ's earthly Incarnation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The central portal of the west facade primarily depicts Christ's Second Coming and the End of Time, as described in the Book of Revelation, rather than his earthly Incarnation.

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The statuary on the north transept portals primarily focuses on the lives of Christian martyrs and the Last Judgment.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statuary on the north transept portals predominantly focuses on the Old Testament and events leading up to the birth of Christ, particularly the lineage and life of the Virgin Mary. The south transept portals are more associated with Christian martyrs and the Last Judgment.

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Chartres Cathedral contains over 200 stained glass windows, most of which are modern replicas.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral contains approximately 167 stained glass windows, and a significant proportion of the original 12th and 13th-century glass survives, making them remarkably well-preserved medieval works, not primarily modern replicas.

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The 'Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrerie' window is known for its depiction of the Last Judgment.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrerie' window is renowned for its striking blue color and its depiction of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, not for illustrating the Last Judgment.

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The lowest panels of some stained glass windows depict local tradesmen, representing the guilds that commissioned them.

Answer: False

Explanation: While this interpretation was historically common, current scholarship suggests that the depiction of laborers in the lowest panels of some stained glass windows does not necessarily represent the guilds that commissioned them, as the cost of such windows would have been prohibitive for most guilds.

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The west rose window, created around 1215, depicts the Nativity of Christ.

Answer: False

Explanation: The west rose window, created circa 1215, traditionally depicts the Last Judgment, a common theme for west facades in Gothic cathedrals, rather than the Nativity of Christ.

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Approximately 176 stained glass windows survive from the medieval period at Chartres.

Answer: False

Explanation: Approximately 152 of the original 176 medieval stained glass windows survive at Chartres Cathedral, representing a remarkable preservation of its original glass.

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The 'Sedes sapientiae' pose depicts Christ in Majesty surrounded by the Evangelists' symbols.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Sedes sapientiae' (Throne of Wisdom) pose specifically depicts the Virgin Mary seated as a throne, holding the Christ Child, rather than Christ in Majesty.

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The three portals on the west facade of Chartres Cathedral depict themes related to:

Answer: Christ's Incarnation, Ascension, and Second Coming.

Explanation: The west facade portals focus on different aspects of Christ's role: the right portal depicts his earthly Incarnation, the left his Ascension or pre-Incarnation existence, and the central portal his Second Coming and the End of Time.

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What is depicted in the tympanum of the central portal of the west facade?

Answer: The Last Judgment

Explanation: The central tympanum of the west facade features Christ within a mandorla, surrounded by the four symbols of the Evangelists, representing his Second Coming as described in the Book of Revelation.

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The statuary on the north transept portals of Chartres Cathedral is primarily dedicated to which part of the Bible?

Answer: The Old Testament, leading up to the birth of Christ.

Explanation: The statuary of the north transept portals predominantly focuses on the Old Testament and events leading up to the birth of Christ, particularly the lineage and life of the Virgin Mary.

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Approximately how many stained glass windows does Chartres Cathedral contain?

Answer: Around 167

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral contains approximately 167 stained glass windows, renowned for their quantity and quality.

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Which famous 12th-century window depicts Christ's genealogy?

Answer: The Jesse Window

Explanation: The Jesse Window, a significant 12th-century lancet window, depicts Christ's genealogy originating from the figure of Jesse.

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What is the 'Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrerie' window particularly famous for?

Answer: Its intense blue color and image of the Virgin and Child

Explanation: The 'Notre-Dame de la Belle-Verrerie' window is renowned for its striking blue color and its depiction of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.

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What is the traditional, though now discounted, interpretation of the lowest panels in some stained glass windows depicting laborers?

Answer: They represent the guilds or tradesmen who commissioned the windows.

Explanation: While historically interpreted as representing donor guilds, current scholarship suggests this interpretation is unlikely due to the cost and early date of the windows.

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The west rose window, created around 1215, traditionally depicts which theme for west facades?

Answer: The Last Judgment

Explanation: The west rose window, created around 1215, traditionally depicts the Last Judgment, a thematic convention for west-facing rose windows in Gothic cathedrals.

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The 'Sedes sapientiae' pose, found in relation to Chartres Cathedral, depicts:

Answer: The Virgin Mary seated with the Christ Child.

Explanation: The 'Sedes sapientiae' (Throne of Wisdom) pose specifically depicts the Virgin Mary seated as a throne, holding the Christ Child.

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Which of the following is true about the stained glass windows at Chartres?

Answer: A large proportion of the original 12th and 13th-century glass survives.

Explanation: A remarkable proportion of the original 12th and 13th-century stained glass windows at Chartres Cathedral survives, contributing significantly to its artistic and historical value.

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The north transept portals focus on events after Christ's Crucifixion, while the south transept portals focus on:

Answer: The lives of Christian martyrs and the Last Judgment.

Explanation: The north transept portals primarily focus on the Old Testament and events leading to Christ's birth. The south transept portals focus on events after Christ's Crucifixion, including the lives of Christian martyrs and the Last Judgment.

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Sacred Relics and Crypt

The Sancta Camisa relic at Chartres Cathedral is believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sancta Camisa is indeed a relic believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at the time of Christ's birth, making Chartres a significant pilgrimage site.

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The labyrinth on the nave floor symbolizes the path to the treasury.

Answer: False

Explanation: The labyrinth on the nave floor symbolizes the long and arduous path to salvation, serving as a spiritual metaphor for the pilgrim's journey, rather than representing a path to a treasury.

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The Well of the Saints-Forts in the crypt is believed to be of Roman origin and is only ten meters deep.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Well of the Saints-Forts in the crypt is believed to be of Celtic origin and is thirty-three meters deep, not ten meters. It is associated with legends of early Christian martyrs.

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A reliquary containing a fragment of the Virgin Mary's veil is housed in the Our Lady of the Crypt Chapel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Our Lady of the Crypt Chapel houses a reliquary containing a fragment of the reputed veil of the Virgin Mary, gifted in 876.

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The legend states the Sancta Camisa was gifted to the cathedral by Charles the Bald.

Answer: False

Explanation: The legend attributes the gift of the Sancta Camisa to Charlemagne, not Charles the Bald. Historical evidence, however, suggests Charles the Bald may have been the donor.

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Which relic, believed to be worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ's birth, has made Chartres a pilgrimage destination since the 12th century?

Answer: The Sancta Camisa

Explanation: The Sancta Camisa, believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ's birth, has been a major draw for pilgrims to Chartres Cathedral since the 12th century.

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What is the symbolic meaning of the labyrinth on the floor of Chartres Cathedral's nave?

Answer: A symbol of the long path to salvation

Explanation: The labyrinth symbolizes the long and arduous path to salvation, serving as a spiritual metaphor for the pilgrim's journey.

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The Well of the Saints-Forts in the crypt is believed to be of what origin?

Answer: Celtic

Explanation: The Well of the Saints-Forts in the crypt is believed to be of Celtic origin.

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What relic is housed in the Our Lady of the Crypt Chapel, gifted in 876?

Answer: A piece of the Virgin Mary's veil

Explanation: The Our Lady of the Crypt Chapel houses a reliquary containing a fragment of the reputed veil of the Virgin Mary, gifted in 876.

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Cultural and Societal Roles

In the Middle Ages, Chartres Cathedral served as a marketplace during fairs and had a 'clître' functioning as a free-trade zone.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the Middle Ages, Chartres Cathedral served multiple roles beyond religious worship, including acting as a marketplace during fairs, with the surrounding 'clître' functioning as a free-trade zone under church jurisdiction.

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Chartres Cathedral has been featured in films like Orson Welles' 'F For Fake' and inspired works by Rudyard Kipling.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chartres Cathedral has indeed been referenced in popular culture, including films and literary works, reflecting its enduring significance.

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The 'Chartres Light Celebration' is an event focused solely on illuminating the cathedral's exterior.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Chartres Light Celebration' involves illuminating not only the cathedral but also numerous buildings throughout the town, celebrating electrification more broadly.

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In the Middle Ages, the 'clître' area around Chartres Cathedral functioned as:

Answer: A free-trade zone under church jurisdiction

Explanation: The 'clître' was an area under church jurisdiction where commercial activities took place, functioning as a free-trade zone.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a representation or influence of Chartres Cathedral in popular culture?

Answer: Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci

Explanation: While Chartres Cathedral has been referenced in films, literature, and other media, paintings by Leonardo da Vinci are not mentioned in this context.

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What is the 'Chartres Light Celebration'?

Answer: An event where the cathedral and town buildings are illuminated.

Explanation: The 'Chartres Light Celebration' involves illuminating not only the cathedral but also numerous buildings throughout the town, celebrating electrification.

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What is the significance of the 'clître' area in the Middle Ages?

Answer: It was a zone of church jurisdiction with commercial activity.

Explanation: The 'clître' was an area under church jurisdiction where commercial activities took place, functioning as a free-trade zone and generating income for the cathedral.

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Preservation and Restoration

UNESCO designated Chartres Cathedral as a World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its exceptional preservation and architectural significance.

Answer: True

Explanation: UNESCO recognized Chartres Cathedral as a World Heritage Site in 1979, citing its status as a high point of French Gothic art and its exceptional preservation.

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During the French Revolution, Chartres Cathedral was significantly damaged by mobs attempting to destroy its sculptures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although mobs attempted to destroy the cathedral's sculptures during the French Revolution, they were prevented by townspeople. The cathedral was declared state property and worship was halted, but it was largely spared significant physical damage.

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The 2009 restoration campaign at Chartres Cathedral was universally praised for enhancing the stained glass.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2009 restoration campaign generated significant controversy. While aiming to clean and protect the interior and stained glass, it was criticized by some as a "scandalous desecration" that diminished the visual impact of the glass.

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The 'authority control' section provides links to databases for further research on the cathedral.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'authority control' section serves to link to external databases, facilitating further academic research and information verification regarding the cathedral.

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What designation did UNESCO grant to Chartres Cathedral in 1979?

Answer: World Heritage Site

Explanation: In 1979, UNESCO designated Chartres Cathedral as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value.

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What happened to Chartres Cathedral during the French Revolution?

Answer: It was largely spared significant damage, though worship was halted and it became state property.

Explanation: Although mobs attempted to destroy the cathedral's sculptures during the French Revolution, they were prevented by townspeople. The cathedral was declared state property and worship was halted, but it was largely spared significant physical damage.

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How was Chartres Cathedral saved from destruction by American forces in World War II?

Answer: An American Colonel rescinded an order to fire upon it.

Explanation: In August 1944, American Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr. rescinded an order to fire upon the cathedral after verifying it was not being used as an enemy observation post.

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What was the outcome of the 2009 restoration campaign according to critics?

Answer: It was criticized as a "scandalous desecration" that diminished the stained glass's impact.

Explanation: The 2009 restoration campaign was criticized by some as a "scandalous desecration" that diminished the visual impact of the stained glass.

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