 | When one views the city from the heights of the Eiffel tower or from the Arc de Triomphe it is possible to see that in the distant standing allegorically are the Gothic styled churches. Paris contains a walkable exposition of the progression of the architecture of cathedrals.This exhibition allows for the transient to gain an insight into how the buildings themselves played a role in the augmentation of the power of the church. Cathedrals eventually evolved far more than simply being locations of worship or places in which to pursuit spirituality they became statements for those who attended the religious services everyday. In comparison to the Romanesque features of churches that of the Gothic cathedrals evolved to achieve greater beauty. The beauty that was coveted by the cluny order had been re imagined by the architects of the Gothic churches to achieve a structure that resembled nature in a greater aspect. If god lived in nature then the creation of a building that resembled it would be able to demonstrate a great link between the two. The man made beauty exhibited by the cathedrals at the time aimed to manipulate the senses of the people who attended the masses everyday. The ceilings were constructed in a high fashion to belittle those who walked into the church and to be able to convey the message of how those who were part of the church and the church held a greater position than those who didn't. Not only was the architectural style significant but also that of the method with which the churches were constructed to achieve the significant heights the Gothic churches were built with a special type of arch that was able to support the walls by shifting the weight of the structure to flying buttresses. The difference in arches made the Romanesque style churches obscure and damp due to the increased weight of the rock from the walls that the Romanesque styled arch had to carry.Finally Notre Dame contains three portals that face west which depict the last judgement , the virgin, and scenes from the coming of christ. |
