GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL – HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL

Gothic Architecture is a style of design that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It developed from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. Many famous castles and churches were based on the Gothic Architecture such as Canterbury Cathedral in England, Arras town Hall in France and Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Holy Name Cathedral is located at 735 North State Street, Chicago. It is one of the most famous architectures of the Catholicism in Chicago, Illinois. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago and one of the largest Roman Catholic dioceses in the United States. Holy Name Cathedral is the replacement of the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Church of Holy Name, which was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Furthermore, Holy Name Cathedral was built under the Gothic Architectural, which is one of the popular architecture styles during 19^th in England

The key characteristics of Gothic Architectural are varied. For instance, most of the buildings are grand and tall designs, which makes the building look height and grandeur. The vaulted ceiling utilized the technology of the pointed arch to spread force and weight from the upper floor. The arch provided people with the impress and height and elegance, due to its beauty and look like a castle. The Gothic Architectural was also improved from the medieval building, which was used to be dark and dingy because the windows were not big enough. Gothic Architectural emphasized the light, bright windows, and airy interiors, which transfer Gothic buildings into a more pleasant and majestic environment. Furthermore, many Gargoyles are used to decorate along the roofs and battlements. Those Gargoyles have practically purposes such as reducing the amount of rainwater that drops directly to the roof. Also, they are used to scare away the evil spirits or the ill-educated medieval peasants. Those statues make people feel save and protect.

Comparing between the Gothic Architecture and the Holy Name Cathedral, there are many characteristics were used in the Cathedral. The building is tall and grand are the first impression of the Holy Name Cathedral. There are numerous colorful windows that could provide lights and airy environment for visitors and people who come to masses. The vaulted ceilings are used to make the building look more elegance and grand space. Moreover, several of saint statues and the Catholicism simple are used in order to improve the beauty and sacred meaning for the church.

For essence, Holy Name Cathedral is one of the spectacular architects that was based on the Gothic Architecture. It is not only the seat of Archdiocese of Chicago but also a famous place for visitors and Catholicism and Christianity to come and worship their God. To me, Holy Name Cathedral has an important meaning to my faith. Before I got my Sacraments of Initiation, I was sent to this cathedral in order to get approval from the Archbishop of Chicago. My name was called with more than another hundred and we were all promises that we only believe in one God and being a loyalty follower. Additionally because of the Gothic Architecture, many visitors love to visit the building due to its antique.