Cellier de Loëns, Gothic building complex in Chartres, France
The enclos de Loëns is a medieval complex of stone buildings in the center of Chartres, France, built in the French Gothic style. It consists of an underground vaulted cellar, a granary, a bakehouse, and a former prison, all grouped around a courtyard and connected by a ramp that once allowed carts to enter.
The enclos de Loëns was built in the 13th and 14th centuries by the chapter of Chartres Cathedral to store its harvests and hold prisoners who had broken the chapter's rules. During the French Revolution, it was used as a military warehouse, and it was listed as a historical monument in 1862.
The enclos de Loëns now houses the Centre international du vitrail, a center dedicated to contemporary stained glass art. Visitors can see modern glass works displayed within the medieval vaulted cellar, which creates an unusual contrast between old stonework and new art.
The complex sits in the center of Chartres, close to the cathedral, and is easy to reach on foot from most parts of the old town. Since it hosts an active cultural center, it is worth checking in advance whether an exhibition is running during your visit.
In the early 20th century, the vaulted cellar was used to screen films by the Lumiere brothers, making it one of the first cinema venues in the city. The name 'Loens' itself remains disputed, as it may come from an old French word meaning rent or from a Germanic word for barn.
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