Catholic Readers discussion

So, reading the descriptions of all the churches in Inferno really ramps up my fascination with church architecture. I've had the privilege of visiting churches here in the United States, Canada, Scotland, France, and The Holy Land and the different approaches the architects take to build for the glory of God always leave me in awe.

If anyone shares this fascination with me, I would love to hear thoughts on different churches you've visited, what works for you, what doesn't, associated symbolism, etc. I am not so good with the making the internet do neat things, so I'm not sure how to get pictures in here, but if anyone can enlighten me and help add illustration to the discussion, I think that would be very beneficial. Also, I know this isn't technically the place for it, if anyone can recommend books on the subject I think that would help out as well.

Joseph I share your passion for things sacred including great architecture of our churches. It's nearly 3am in Australia so I have to go to bed now but hope to continue the conversation ASAP.

I'm a fan of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. There's something about soaring arches which draw the eye heavenwards that just gets me. I'm reading a book about Chartres Cathedral at the moment which is really me indulging in this - will try and find the link.

Baroque strikes me as being OTT, but then I'm not from that part of Europe ;)

I actually visited Chartres when I was in France. It's a stunning space. I'm sure your book talks about the labyrinth in the floor, which I thought was the most interesting feature.

This is it:



It does talk about the labyrinth (what book mentioning Chartres doesn't?!), but there's so much more going on too.

I'd love to visit Chartres one day, perhaps on the Pentecost pilgrimage.

Lisa
The link didn't work. Could you post it?

Denise

Ok, this is the fourth time I'm trying to get this to work, so fingers crossed everyone.

When I went to The Holy Land last year, we visited a lot of churches. One of my favorites on the trip was The Church of the Beatitudes.

Link to photo.

In this photo, you can see the open belfry, the dome, and the colonnade. In church architecture, the dome represents the arc of heaven and in this church the altar is directly beneath the rotunda. The pews are set up in a circle in the trancept, what would normally be the nave is devoted to offices. I found the round effect inside to be much more effective than American churches built in the 1960's, and this church dates from the 1920's.

The church is built on the mountain where tradition say that Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount and from the gardens there is an impressive view of the Sea of Galilee. Unfortunately, it was hazy the day we were there so I don't have a good picture of the view.

The stained glass inside lists the beatitudes, with one window devoted to each, in Latin.

Sorry if that sounds a little bit like a lecture, but I found this to be an impressive church and the implicit symbolism of its design really intrigues me.

Denise wrote: "Lisa
The link didn't work. Could you post it?

Denise"

Denise,

You should be able to click on the book cover - it will take you to the book's info page here on Goodreads.

The book cover wasn't there. It is now. Thanks for answering.

Denise