Introduction
In the virtual tour of St. Denis church, I have seen the facade, interior, and panorama shots of the first cathedral in the Gothic architecture style. Moreover, I learned about the history of the whole St. Denis region, ranging from the geographic overview of the land to the industrial town it is today. It was fascinating to see how much the site has changed over time and how many people participated in creating the cathedral and surrounding buildings. Lastly, I clearly understood how the church implemented Romanesque and Gothic elements in the construction. For instance, curved arches, high hallways, large glass windows, and the usage of light in interior design are notable features of the cathedral’s architecture. Ultimately, St. Denis Basilica is a notable cultural heritage with a rich history and outstanding visuals.
Abbot Suger
Abbot Suger played a pivotal part in the construction of the St. Denis Basilica. In 1122, he became abbot of St. Denis, implying that he was the spiritual leader of the community (“Saint-Denis”). Moreover, it was Abbot Suger who insisted on introducing the Gothic style elements into the architecture of the cathedral (Akande 2). In summary, Abbot Suger was one of the most influential figures in the history of St. Denis and the construction of the basilica.
Romanesque and Gothic Styles
The architecture of the St. Denis church can be divided into two primary styles – Romanesque and Gothic. Before Suger decided to renovate the monastery in 1135, it had many Romanesque elements, such as round arches, decorated human/animal figures, and towering buildings (“Saint-Denis”). The later Gothic features were the raised choir, an added spire, larger decorated windows, and more religious symbolism in architecture (“Saint-Denis”). Consequently, the church renovation was notable for the whole country and the Gothic architecture style. As Akande (3) notes, the church became a symbol that expanded the influence of Christian doctrine in Europe. Moreover, since the architecture of the cathedral was different from the prior Romanesque style, many abbots wanted to adopt this construction style (“Saint-Denis”). The symbolism and iconography, with the focus on Christian imagery, played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Gothic style.
Conclusion
St. Denis Basilica is one of the most well-known cathedrals that have architectural elements in both the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Even today, experts continue to study its relevance to European architecture and its impact on the development of the region in St. Denis, France. Ultimately, both the church and the town of St. Denis advanced the influence of Christianity and associated Gothic architecture in Europe.
Works Cited
Akande, Adeyemi. “The Iconography of Saint Denis in Early Gothic Architecture.” Journal of Art and Architecture Studies, vol. 11, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-7.
“Saint-Denis, a Town in the Middle Ages.”Musée Archéologie Nationale, Web.