Cathedrals

        A cathedral is a Christian church. The cathedral is more fancy then a casual church. It takes a lot to build one. You need a lot money and time. It takes century to build one cathedral. They contain the offical throne of a bishop. They honor God. Most cathedrals were in a cross-like shape. The ceilings were arched and high. Under a cathedral was usually a crypt. A crypt is used for town storage. Sometimes it was a graveyard. They were expected to have many services a day. The people believed they could earn their place in heaven. Talented craftsmen were the only ones who could build it. It was rare but, it could take a whole life time to build. Food or housing was was given to the workers instead of money. Sometimes money was given to the workers to pay for items from the trademen shops. The most important building materials were wood and stone. Oak was the best of all woods. Sometimes they were built to show off to visitors, pilgrams, and high officials. Bells in the bell tower rung to announce when services started or a clock to tell time. It was dark inside. Candles were lit. Beautiful statues and religious tapestries were inside. They were larger then castles. The oldest of these special churches were known as Romanesque. Many parts were very important in a cathedral but, others were just extra. The walls had very few windows. They were also thick and heavy. In the 19th century the cathedral original plans were discovered. The choir were positioned where the clergy would stand. Buttresses supported walls. Clerestories the rows of windows that would let extra light into the rooms. The porch was shelter for the clergy or worshippers. The roof was made of tiles on top of planks of wood. A rose window symbolized eternity. The body of the cathedral was called the nave. Arcades were rows of arches which was supported of pillers. Monasteries housed the monks. The kitchen, chapel, workroom, garden, and the monastery were passages in a cathedral. The bishops built them. Monks cleaned the church and spiritual help to visitors. Monks provided services for educated children. The heads of the cathedral were called popes. The bishops were in charge of services. Fancy clothing was worn. They had a staff called croiser. As a joke sometimes gargoyles, spouts used to carry rain water away, were made to look like a bishop or a worker. Stained glass windows, statues, and paintings were picture Bibles for the ones who couldn't read. The cathedrals were the popular part of town. Markets and business were near them. The form of the cathedral was in the shape of a cross. The body of Christ was the church and the building itself is a reminder of the spirital truth. Baptism, crowning, funerals, confirmation, marriage, and burial took place in the church. Burials took place inside and on church grounds. Hundreds of cathedrals are still standing in Europe today.