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A popular place of Christianity, at least since
the 9th century, Chartres is an important site
of pilgrimage.
The « Virgin’s Veil », a relic
given in 876 by the emperor Charles le Chauve,
brought thousands of pilgrims from all over the
world to Notre Dame (Our Lady). Tradition says
that this veil would have been worn by Mary at
the time of the birth of Christ. Still today,
from all over the world, following Charles Péguy
and many others, groups keep coming. Young and
old come to seek out, in this privileged place,
the true face of faith.
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The cathedral of Chartres has a magnificent
example of the labyrinths which may be found in
other churches. It is on the floor of the nave
and dates from around 1200; it may be seen as
it was in the 13th century. It is circular in
form, delineated by slabs of Berchères
stone and strips of black marble. It forms a path
of 261 m 50 that the pilgrims, in the Middle Ages,
walked while praying, like a pilgrim’s route,
a symbolic pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
It is still possible to walk it today, on Fridays
(except Good Friday) between the first Sunday
in Lent and All Saints' Day, during cathedral
opening hours, from 8h30 to 19h30.
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