Admin Why were cathedrals built so high?
Waging a constant battle against gravity, master masons, who both designed and built these cathedrals, wanted to create as much uninterrupted vertical space as possible in their stone structures. These soaring heights provided a dramatic interior which served to reinforce the power of the church.
Why were the cathedrals so large?
Cathedrals were far larger than castles – symbolic of their huge importance to medieval society where religion dominated the lives of all – be they rich or peasants. As the photo above of Canterbury Cathedral shows, cathedrals were huge buildings – they were major long term building projects and their cost was huge.
What are the types of cathedrals in the Middle Ages?
These types of cathedrals in the middle ages comprised of an internal governance structure and dignitaries all of whom were bound by law to their respective cathedrals. The secular cathedral comprised of four or more dignitaries, canons and a dean who played a significant role in the internal governance and management of the cathedral.
What was the function of the cathedral?
The cathedral or abbey church was the building in which the people congregated on major feast days. It saw the start and the end of splendid and colorful ceremonies, and it held the earliest dramatic performances.
What is the difference between a pro-cathedral and a co-cat Cathedral?
A pro-cathedral is a parish or other church used temporarily as a cathedral, usually while the cathedral of a diocese is under construction, renovation, or repair. This designation applies only as long as the temporary use continues. A co-cathedral is a second cathedral in a diocese that has two sees.
What is the etymology of the word cathedral?
The word cathedral is derived from the French cathédrale, from the Latin cathedra (‘seat’), from the Ancient Greek καθέδρα (kathédra), ‘seat, bench’, from κατά (kata) ‘down’ and ἕδρα (hedra) ‘seat, base, chair’.