Cathedrals

Cathedrals

• The principal church of a province or diocese, where the throne of the bishop is placed

• By tradition, a cathedral always faces west - toward the setting sun

• Congregants face east - toward the rising sun - a symbol of Christ's ascension into heaven.

8th Grade Religion

Gothic Cathedrals

• Lasting physical monuments to Christendom

• Gothic architecture became popular in 1150

• Until then Churches were very plain

Elements of Gothic Architecture

• Monumental Engineering• Similar façade and floor plan• Vertical Emphasis• Light – Stained Glass• Sculpture• Music• Bible to the people

Pointed Arches

• You can tell Gothic Architecture by the pointed arches on the front of the cathedral

• Many arches are decorated with sculptures which educate those who couldn’t read

Standard Floor Plan

• Shape of a Cross• Narthex• Nave• Transept• Chancel (choir)• Apse (altar)

Vertical Emphasis

Light

•How did they keep the walls up?

Flying Buttresses

What’s this?

Gargoyles

• Built into the ends of the gutters to drain rainwater off the roof

• Rainwater falls far from the walls to prevent damage

• Simple decorations• Most of them are on the façade, watching the

people below Paris

Music

• Choirs• Bells• Organ

The Spire

Cathedral Builders

Huge Wheelbarrows