Rough Draft. How do Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals express different understandings about religious theology?

Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals played a big role in the different European civilizations, especially in the theology of religion. So because of this, the archaeologists tried to express their religious views through the structure of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals. Through the architecture of Romanesque Cathedrals, fortitude and sanctuary were clearly displayed in the case of an invasion occurring. In the Gothic Cathedrals, it was all about the light being shown throughout the stain glass windows that aligned the cathedral’s walls. This light represented all the glory of God that could not be described in nearly enough words, which was also a sufficient way of spreading the faith they believed in. These cathedrals stood for more than just a building of holiness; they also expressed a deeper meaning in religious theology of that time. Theses cathedrals did not stand for anything involving religious theology; instead they were just a building of holiness.        

Throughout the years, the construction of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals were very different in comparison. But not only did just the structure of these magnificent buildings change, the purposes of each of them were also very distinct. The interior of both the two different cathedrals contrasts with each other (Figure 3 & Figure 6). In a Romanesque Cathedral, its columns were massive in comparison to Gothic Cathedrals’ (Figure 3 & Figure 6). For Romanesque columns were made from a thicker material (Figure 3). Therefore, making them wider in base, and even more so larger in general (Figure 3). By making Romanesque columns a greater size, the appearance of them is much more powerful (Figure 3). In regard to Gothic Cathedrals, they instead contained more elegant columns with a much more extensive designing and skinner widths (Figure 6). This was because Gothic Cathedrals were in more of favor for appearance than safety. With further notice to the interiors, it would seem that the same theology would present itself throughout the rest of each of the cathedrals.      

The amount of light that entered a Romanesque Cathedral greatly differed in relation to the extent of light that shown through a Gothic Cathedral (Figure 5). Since large windows only proposed a threat to their sanctuary if the need of that shelter may be, windows were not an option in the structure of Romanesque Cathedrals. Instead, they constructed soaring towers that rose above the base of the cathedral (Figure 2). The variety in form and quantity of towers depended on the region in which the cathedral was built. However, Gothic Cathedrals were the reverse, for invasions were no longer a prospect. So the archaeologists were given the option to increase the amount of windows used in a cathedral (Figure 5). Because of this, light was one of the main focuses in Gothic Cathedrals. Towers and windows are simple things to comprehend; although, even simple things can contain a deeper meaning.

Just by the simple appearance of the exterior of the cathedrals, many contrasts can be made (Figure 1 & Figure 4). The Romanesque Cathedral looks more of like a fortress instead of a place for prayer (Figure 1). The reason behind this was because of the possibility of invasions that could take place. The sturdy, strong look of the Romanesque cathedrals was supposed to intimate the enemy (Figure 1). As for Gothic Cathedrals, many contained pointed arches to emphasis the great height of the building, and clerestory windows for the ability to brighten the central area of the cathedral for the light represented God’s first creation (Figure 4). It is said to not judge people by their first impression, but instead take the time to determine what each person’s true self really is. This could also be said about Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals, for their deeper meaning lies within the structure of them.       

Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals contained a much greater meaning than looks may perceive them as. For these cathedrals, express the theology of religion that was believed at the time. From the exterior to the interior, remarkable beliefs are within the structures. Towers, windows, and columns, of both cathedrals are just some of the evidence of the faith in which each cathedral holds within. These glorious cathedrals that plummet into the sky can only represent religious theology.                       

Appendix

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Bibliography

Figure 1 - San Vittore alle Chiuse, exterior, 11^th century, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Abaziasanvittorefrasassi.jpg, photograph taken in 2006.

Figure 2 - Cluny Abbey, tower, 10^th century, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Abbaye_de_Cluny,_2010_crop.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.

Figure 3 - Basílica di San Giovanni e Paolo, interior, 13th century, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Santi_Giovanni_e_Paolo_Venice_interior_01_crop.jpg, photograph taken in 2009.   

Figure 4 - Notre-Dame de Reims, facade, 12^th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_Notre-Dame_de_Reims,_France.jpg, photograph taken in 2004.  

Figure 5 - Saint Chapelle, choir, 13^th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paris-SainteChapelle-Interieur.jpg, photograph taken in 2009.

Figure 6 - Basilica of Saint Denis, interior, 7^th century, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:StDenis_Chorumgang.JPG, photograph taken in 2005.