In the crypt of Chartres Cathedral, the statue of Notre-Dame-de-Sous-Terre welcomes the pilgrims.
This Virgin with Child, carved in wood, is a reproduction of the Romanesque work that disappeared during the French Revolution. Worshippers gather before it in this same sanctuary as they have done since time immemorial.
It is said that they even came here to pray to Mary before the birth of Christ!

The Romanesque vaults of the Notre-Dame-de-Sous-Terre chapel are painted.
Among the frescoes to be seen in the first bay of the gallery leading to the chapel, we can admire a Virgin and Child.

In a niche nearby, is a reliquary containing a fragment of the Veil of the Virgin. The main part of the Veil is on show in the upper part of the building.




To know more about Notre-Dame-de-Sous-Terre, click on "Video".

Chartres Cathedral is one of the buildings affiliated to the Centre for National Monuments.