Gothic Cathederals
Apr 10th, 2008 | 09:32 PM
#22
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
Hi Klondike:
1* The Setting: The cathedral forms one side of an exquisite town square, with an excellent Hotel de Ville on another side. The square also has fountains and lines of espaliered trees.
2* The Western Front: It presents as well-balanced, with splendid (and coherent)towers and spires.
3* The Interior:
(a) The lantern tower over the crossing is breathtaking, easily the best I have seen. It fills the interior of the cathedral with a wonderful glowing light.It is also a remarkable building feat.
(b) The side chapels are exquisite, far removed from the afterthoughts that they seem to be in many other cathedrals.
(c) The stained glass windows on both sides of the transept are of the first order.
4* Overall Impression: The cathedral presents as a coherent whole, seemingly designed by someone who knew at all times what they were doing. The proportions are correct, the decorative elements appropriate, the masonry workmanship is exemplary, leading to a general ambience that feels 'just right'.
The Michelin Green Guide rates the cathedral as 3 stars, which is why I went there in the first place. '3 stars' means 'worth a special journey', and indeed it is.
1* The Setting: The cathedral forms one side of an exquisite town square, with an excellent Hotel de Ville on another side. The square also has fountains and lines of espaliered trees.
2* The Western Front: It presents as well-balanced, with splendid (and coherent)towers and spires.
3* The Interior:
(a) The lantern tower over the crossing is breathtaking, easily the best I have seen. It fills the interior of the cathedral with a wonderful glowing light.It is also a remarkable building feat.
(b) The side chapels are exquisite, far removed from the afterthoughts that they seem to be in many other cathedrals.
(c) The stained glass windows on both sides of the transept are of the first order.
4* Overall Impression: The cathedral presents as a coherent whole, seemingly designed by someone who knew at all times what they were doing. The proportions are correct, the decorative elements appropriate, the masonry workmanship is exemplary, leading to a general ambience that feels 'just right'.
The Michelin Green Guide rates the cathedral as 3 stars, which is why I went there in the first place. '3 stars' means 'worth a special journey', and indeed it is.
Apr 11th, 2008 | 03:52 AM
#23
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
adeben i am awed by your knowledge and perceptions of cathedrals and churches
About Orleans no neither it nor the city that swirls around it merits IMO a special trip
But mishmash styles to me makes it not just ABC - Another Bloody Cathedral
and its size could make it one of France's most monumental and major cathedrals - it's history with John of Arc could merit it special mention
but i agree with your take from an ascetic view.
I donna know i like it because it dominates it's environs
and the last few years and now it is undergoing a much needed renovation inside and out - windows shine again, etc.
It is especially awesome when seen from several miles away on the opposite bank of the Loire River, upstream
About Orleans no neither it nor the city that swirls around it merits IMO a special trip
But mishmash styles to me makes it not just ABC - Another Bloody Cathedral
and its size could make it one of France's most monumental and major cathedrals - it's history with John of Arc could merit it special mention
but i agree with your take from an ascetic view.
I donna know i like it because it dominates it's environs
and the last few years and now it is undergoing a much needed renovation inside and out - windows shine again, etc.
It is especially awesome when seen from several miles away on the opposite bank of the Loire River, upstream
Apr 11th, 2008 | 04:28 AM
#24
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,707
Likes: 0
FWIW...
The term "Gothic" was applied to this architecture (and art too) long after the heyday of the period - namely during the Renaissance Age. The beauties of this style were considered ugly by then and so a pejorative term was used to describe it. And it had nothing to do with the marauding Gothic tribes of a millenium earlier.
The term "Gothic" was applied to this architecture (and art too) long after the heyday of the period - namely during the Renaissance Age. The beauties of this style were considered ugly by then and so a pejorative term was used to describe it. And it had nothing to do with the marauding Gothic tribes of a millenium earlier.
