The Sancta Camisa, believed to be the tunic or veil worn by the Virgin Mary at the time of the Annunciation or the birth of Jesus. It is the principal relic of Chartres Cathedral.
History
The relic was given to Chartres Cathedral by Charles the Bald, grandson of Charlemagne, in 876 AD. When the cathedral burned in 1194, the relic was found to have survived the fire, which was taken as a miraculous sign and inspired the construction of the current Gothic cathedral. The relic was examined during the French Revolution and cut into pieces, though the largest portion remains at Chartres.
Scientific Investigation
The fabric has been identified as a fine silk textile. Some scholars date it to the 1st century based on weaving techniques, while others place it later. The survival of the relic through the 1194 fire is historically documented.
Spiritual Significance
The Sancta Camisa made Chartres one of the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Europe. The cathedral built to house it is considered one of the finest achievements of Gothic architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
