The
First Gothic Structure
The Basilica of St. Denis is
an abbey located in Paris, France. The Abbey of St. Denis is known as the first
gothic structure in history. The Basilica of St. Denis served as precedent to
all gothic cathedrals that would follow. Saint Denis was built sometime around
475. The church was built on top of the grave of Saint Denis, a bishop that was killed in the 3rd
century. Aspects of Gothic architecture were added in the 12th century upon
command of the Abbot Sugar. Abbot Sugar was the abbot in charge of the abbey at the
time. Today, Abbot Sugar is known as a father of gothic architecture. One of
his greatest contribution to gothic architecture is how light was incorporated into the design. The
Choir of St. Denis is a perfect example of this, as it has stained glass.
It also used some of the most important techniques used gothic architecture. It
employed the idea of using point arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses
to build higher in future buildings.
Work Cited
“History of the Monument.” Centre Des Monuments Nationaux, http://www.saint-denis-basilique.fr/en/Explore/History-of-the-monument
“Saint-Denis Cathedral near Paris. Facts. Visits. Metro.” Paris Digest, https://www.parisdigest.com/monument/saint_denis_cathedral.htm
I love Gothic architecture because of the incorporation of the stained glass windows. More specifically, I love the rose windows that come from Gothic architecture, they are so beautiful, but also serve a necessary purpose of producing light, like you mentioned. The picture you put in the top left corner does a really good job of showing a rose window on a cathedral!
ReplyDeleteFirst, eighty-five graves in one site… wow! Think of the architectural legacy based on this one structure. Can you imagine if the architects would have known how many churches, cathedrals, even entire cities would be based off this design style?
ReplyDeleteFrom the pictures you included in your blog post, the Basilica of St. Denis looks stunning. It is amazing how architects from this time period were able to construct buildings with such style and grandeur, and that this basilica was the first of a series of Gothic structures that arose predominantly during the Middle Ages.
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