Havenshire: The Travels: Gothic: Basilica of St. Denis

Basilica of St. Denis

When people think of the high Middle Ages, they most likely picture some form of Gothic architecture. Gothic architecture in cathedrals started being developed in the 12th century in Paris but it didn't become common in the rest of Europe until the early 13th century. The strongest and most recognized Gothic characteristic is its pointed arches and windows. However, its other characteristics are just as important in painting the full picture of a Gothic cathedral in our minds, including the flying buttresses, stained glass windows (including elaborate rose windows), and extensive sculptural decoration.

It is highly appropriate that I'm using the Basilica of St. Denis that lies just outside of Paris as my example of Gothic architecture as it was the first building to use the Gothic style. However, because it was the first, the Gothic characteristics are not as prominent as in Notre Dame or Westminster Abbey. It was built about AD 1145.

The arches in St. Denis are pointed, but still retain some roundness, particularly the larger arches.

The windows are now much larger, pointed, and have stained glass to let in "God's light."

The sculptural aspects of the church are a lot more elaborate and forsake the simplicity of the Romanesque style for majesty and for focus on the divine.

May 19th

9:45 AM

We’re sitting in St. Denis right now.

It’s a beautiful basilica, though some of it is under refurbishment just now. [There's always at least a few things under refurbishment.]

It’s simpler for a Gothic cathedral, but that’s probably because it is the first Gothic church.

The kings of France were buried here.

The stained glass windows lining the nave depict kings and queens of France.

The first thing I noticed on walking up the nave was the light, brilliant and bright light shining through the stained glass windows at the apse. It showered colors across the floor and was absolutely beautiful…magical. I makes me wish our church houses could have stained glass windows, particularly in the chapel.

Often, the comments I hear from other members scorn the elaborateness of cathedrals and the supposed “darkness.” But the churches I’ve visited this trip have been filled with light. They are beautiful and not even close to dark.