Originally, Chartres Cathedral was a Romanesque church constructed in 1145. In 1194, all but the west front was destroyed by fire. Between 1205 and 1260, Chartres Cathedral was rebuilt on the foundation of the original church.
The reconstructed Chartres Cathedral was Gothic in style, displaying innovations that set the standard for thirteenth century architecture. The massive weight of its high clerestory windows meant that flying buttresses -- external supports -- had to be used in new ways. Each curved pier connects with an arch to a wall and extends (or "flies") to the ground or a pier some distance away. Thus, the supporting power of the buttress was greatly increased.
Built of limestone, Chartres Cathedral is 112 feet (34 meters) high and 427 feet (130 meters) long.