relationship between spirituality and Gothic architecture?

Question

What is the relationship between spirituality and Gothic architecture

Answer 1

Several things in Gothic Architecture reflect a spiritual presence of God. An example would be some which are designed to let rays of light into the Cathedral in a manner that makes it look as though its 'holy light'.

Answer 2

Basically, Gothic architecture, or the front facade of a Gothic cathedral is representative of the gates of Heaven (so walking into a Gothic cathedral was supposed to be like entering the gates of Heaven). And above many of the entrance ways were depictions of Christ passing judgement, (sending people either to Heaven or Hell). Like imadriana already stated, Gothic Buildings were massive, dwarfing anyone who entered, so just the fact of being inside on could be a spiritual experience. Gothic cathedrals always had pinnacles, and towers pointing upward, to almost to direct the viewer to heaven itself. And the light aspect that fslcaptain737 talked about, which comes from the many windows and rosettes (large, circular windows on the front facade) is symbolic of Heavenly light. I hope some of this helps, if you need more info about Gothic architecture you could just e-mail me.

Answer 3

Gothic architects strove to build large, soaring spaces to show mankind its insignificance in the world. The most extreme instances of this are seen in the gothic churches. These famous gothic churches succeeded so well that, even now, hundreds of years later, a person who enters these places feels small and unimportant in relation to the importance of the building.

For more, and a slightly different viewpoint, go to the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture

Answer 4

Everything from the high ceilings and columns to the stained glass windows had to do with expressing the spiritual beliefs at the time. I can't tell you everything...as I remember being lectured on this for a week! Also things changed over time and the structures vary according to the origin.

Answer 5

All humans have a spiritual life. Its either from God or of the Devil. Gothics are spiritual, but the question is whos side are they on. Satan or God?