Cathedrals

1. 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.

8. Gothic Cathedrals • Lasting physical monuments to Christendom • Gothic architecture became popular in 1150 • Until then Churches were very plain 8th Grade Religion

9. Elements of Gothic Architecture • Monumental Engineering • Similar façade and floor plan • Vertical Emphasis • Light – Stained Glass • Sculpture • Music • Bible to the people

11. 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

20. Standard Floor Plan • Shape of a Cross • Narthex • Nave • Transept • Chancel (choir) • Apse (altar)

22. Vertical Emphasis

26. Light

28. How did they keep the walls up?

29. Flying Buttresses

31. What’s this?

32. 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

34. Music • Choirs • Bells • Organ

37. The Spire

38. Cathedral Builders

39. Huge Wheelbarrows