Chartres Cathedral

October 29: More people seemed to cling to the facade of Chartres Cathedral than were living in the city of Chartres when we visited. Granted, the former were made of stone. Some were fist-sized depictions of new testament scenes that covered every inch of the stone door frames. Others were the size of actual human beings with such details as folds in clothing and coats of arms. Trying to view let alone comprehend all of themthem would take a lifetime.

More statues decorated the interior, especially the choir screen. These showed the everyday lives of the Holy Family, especially the one below, which proves that Jesus was Jewish.

Jesus is not having a good time.

The most unusual aspect of the interior for me was the circular maze, though I'm told this is a common feature of many Gothic cathedrals. Pilgrims were supposed to follow its path while meditating, until they reached enlightenment at the center. A gaggle of tourists were trying to negotiate the lines when we visited, self-consciously posturing their way to the middle. It looked like a one-ring circus incapable of producing any religious dividends. It would seem to be more productive to buy one of the hand-sized mazes at the gift shop, and trace your way to the center with a finger.

If only the maze was this uncrowded when we visited.