The Early, High and Late Gothic Periods in architecture produced some of the most famous cathedrals in the world, including Laon, Chartres, and Amiens. These Cathedrals were modeled on the Roman basilica, but they featured modifications that included a Christian cross, a central nave, two lateral aisles and an apse for the choir. One of the most characteristic features of the Gothic cathedral is its pointed arches where are supported by another invention of the period, buttresses. The Gothic cathedrals were considered to be ôGodÆsö houses, building that not only demonstrated Christian elements but whose towering height was used to symbolize the majesty and the grandeur of God and the kingdom of Heaven. The architects of these structures built them tall to represent this power and as a sign pointing straight toward the heavens. As one historian maintains of the ideology of the architects behind these tall structures, ôThey recognized in these structures that towered over their towns a style of building and of decoration that was original. It was with confidence in their own faith that they regarded their cathedrals as the real image of the City of God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, which they were privileged to build on earth,ö (Tansey, p. 372).
The importance of light cannot be underestimated in the design of Gothic cathedrals. One of the most beautiful and striking features of the Gothic cathedral was the rose window. The window has a center that is usually filled with the Virgin Mary or some other significant figure in Christian mythology. The patterns on it radiated outward, thus its name, the rose window. Stained glass windows were very important in the design of these monumental structures, primarily because they offered one of the few sources of light in the otherwise dark buildings. The light was symbolic of the light of God, showing the light of GodÆs mercy, grace, and redemption. These windows were often
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