What is cathedral? What are the features of cathedral architecture? Here is cathedral history and most famous cathedrals in the world:
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Cathedral Definition
The word cathedral is derived from the French word ‘cathédrale’ and the Latin word ‘cathedra’ meaning “seat, throne”. Technically, a cathedral means “the church with a bishop’s seat (cathedra)”. In some European countries, cathedrals are also called “Duomo” (Italy, Spain) or “Dom” (Germany, Netherlands), which means “the bishop’s house” in Latin.
In the ancient Roman period, there was a chair on a raised lectern for teachers or a raised throne within the basilica for judges. Therefore, the word Cathedral symbolizes the teaching and administrative role of the Bishop in the church.
What is Cathedral?
Cathedrals are church buildings in which the bishop, who is the center of a bishopric, in other words, an administrative organ within the church hierarchy, is constantly present.
The countries are divided into dioceses by the Christian clergy. Each of these districts is headed by a bishop, or archpriest. The answer to the question ‘what is a cathedral‘, ‘what does a cathedral mean‘ is briefly; the church in which a bishop lives and serves, that is, the most senior place of worship in that diocese.
Many cathedrals are famous for their magnificent architecture. Cathedrals are of national importance in many artistic, historical and functional aspects. Today, cathedrals have important functions in terms of social life in the place where they are located, as well as their traditional religious functions. E.g; It hosts Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations. Also, births and marriages are often celebrated in cathedrals. Funerals and commemorations of celebrities in the community are held in cathedrals. Some cathedrals such as Aachen and Reims are traditional coronation places of monarchs.
Cathedral History
When Did the First Cathedrals Appear?
The history of the cathedrals dates back to the year 313, when Emperor Constantine the Great personally accepted Christianity and initiated the Church Peace. Cathedral structures did not exist before the 4th century. Because in Christianity, bishops would never sit while leading the congregation worship. Instead, they would stand on a raised platform or lectern.
Constantine’s imperial grace towards Christianity changed all aspects of Christian life in Rome. Originally a minority religion, Christianity, covering all classes, reached a large audience from the city to the countryside. As a result, there was a great increase in Church structures, finances, and staff during the 4th century, resulting in cathedral structures.
The location and layout of the early cathedrals differed significantly from city to city. For the most part, they were located within the city walls but far from the city centre.
Cathedral Architecture
Cathedrals are usually the most magnificent and oldest structures of the city in which they are located. Many cathedrals; With its historical importance, size and architectural features, it has been the most important landmarks in cities or rural areas until the 20th century. Because cathedrals take centuries to build and decorate, they constitute a major artistic investment for the city in which they are located.
Cathedral Plan
Most cathedrals and large churches have a cruciform floor plan on an east-west axis. Thus, worshipers look towards the rising sun, which symbolizes Jesus’ ascension. The cross-shaped plan is both functional and symbolic. Symbolically, it refers to the cross on which Jesus was crucified. As a form, it divides the space into sections for the clergy, the choir and the congregation, allowing different activities to take place during the ritual.
Cathedral Parts
The long arm of the cross, called the ‘nave’, is the part where the worshipers gather. The corridors on both sides of the nave facilitate the movement of people inside the building without disturbing the worshipers in the center. There are usually chapels in the cross arms (transept) section.
While the cathedral buildings of western Europe symbolize the progress of the Christian spirit towards salvation, the cathedrals of eastern Europe are planned centrally. These churches, which symbolize the hierarchy of earth and heaven, are usually domed.
In addition to their magnificent architecture, cathedrals are also important for their artistic and religious treasures such as stained glass, stone and wood decorations, sculptures, historical tombs and holy relics. They play an important role in telling the story of the city they are in. For all these reasons, cathedral structures have been the most important haunts for tourists for hundreds of years.
Don’t forget to read our article on Architectural History and Architectural Styles from prehistory to the present!
The Most Famous Cathedrals in the World
Cathedrals are landmarks for the cities they are located all over the world. These magnificent and beautiful structures; continues to be the focus of attention of tourists both with its architecture and decorative features. Here are some of the most famous cathedrals in the world:
Notre-Dame de Paris
The world-famous Notre Dame de Paris in France, is named after the Virgin Mary. Like other important buildings of Paris, the building, located on the banks of the Seine River, is the most important example of French gothic architecture.
Notre Dame de Paris, one of the first gothic cathedrals, is very popular from a touristic point of view, and still hosts the Archdiocese of Paris and continues to function as a Roman Catholic cathedral.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Rising in the middle of the vast Prague Castle complex, St. Vitus Cathedral has a stunning 102-metre-high tower. This gigantic structure was built in 1344 over the churches and basilicas that preceded it. It is home to the ornate tombs of some Bohemian and Roman Emperors.
The interior of the cathedral, where coronation ceremonies were held; It is decorated with elegant arches, beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows. The most important part of the cathedral is the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. St. Vitus Cathedral, with its magnificent Gothic architecture, is the largest and most important church in Czechia.
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral has the largest church façade in the world, with huge twin towers reaching 157 meters. Inside this magnificent cathedral architecture covered with statues and fine carvings is the Shrine of the Three Kings.
The cathedral’s design, which began in 1248 and was barely completed in 1880, was heavily inspired by the Cathedral of Amiens. Overlooking the banks of the Rhine, Cologne Cathedral is the most visited place in all of Germany with its impressive Gothic architecture.
Santa Maria del Fiore
Among the most famous cathedrals in the world, Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was completed in 1436. The building stands out with its magnificent façade and large dome built using green, pink and white marble. The cathedral’s magnificent façade features three rose windows, three bronze doors, and numerous sculptures and carvings.
At the top of this magnificent structure is a huge red-tiled dome that can be seen from all over the city. Although the interior of the cathedral is rather plain compared to its exaggerated exterior, there are some artworks and tombs that attract the attention of visitors.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Standing proudly over Red Square in the center of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most important and impressive landmarks in all of Russia. Consisting of ten churches, all interconnected, this fascinating cathedral was built in just six years, with work beginning in 1555.
The building, which has various architectural styles, has red walls, colorful towers and onion domes that look like they came out of a fairy tale. In addition to magnificent wall paintings and floral ornaments, it also contains important works of art. St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most important structures in Moscow with its magnificent and extraordinary architecture.
In this article, we answered the questions “What is cathedral definition“, “What are the features of cathedral architecture?” and shared the famous cathedrals in the world. Don’t forget to visit our homepage to get information on different topics related to interior design and architecture. 🙂
