Throughout our travels, we've seen many cathedrals, basilicas and places of worship. Three of the most memorable have been St. Vitus, St. Stephan's and St. George.
The most standout of the three would be St. George's Basilica. While St. Stephan's and St. Vitus were large and commanding cathedrals, St. George's basilica was a much more modest approach to Catholic worship. In place of flying buttresses, high ceilings and grandeur statues, the basilica was done in rounded arches and modest painting with a small crypt and singular altar.
Comparing this to St. Stephan's and St. George, you would never think they were designed for the same form of worship. Being the tallest cathedral we've seen, St. Stephan's was a hulking structure, massive in both interior and exterior. It was clearly a showing of power, just as St. Vitus cathedral was. While not so massive in size, St. Vitus shares many properties with St. Stephan's. Employing the technique of the flying buttress, large number of statues and multiple altars sold to various families. The pointed towers and architecture show adherence to the gothic ideals, while the basilica had rounded arches and plain designs showing it's classicism and ties to the Romans. While the basilica may have a more modest nature, St. Stephan's and St. Vitus show us just how beautiful and surreal Gothic architecture can be.
No comments:
Post a Comment