Church Architecture

Laon Cathedral
12th - 13th Century Architecture

Laon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon) is a Roman Catholic church located in Laon, Aisne, Hauts-de-France, France.

Las Lajas Sanctuary
Architecture

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The Las Lajas Sanctuary is often referred to as the “Las Lajas Shrine” and is officially known as the “National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Las Lajas” or “Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de las Lajas.” It’s located inside a canyon of the Guáitara River near the city of Ipiales in the Colombian Department of Nariño in the utmost southwestern corner of this South American country.

Le Mans Cathedral
6th Century - 15th Century Architecture

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Le Mans Cathedral ( Cathédrale St-Julien du Mans) is a Catholic church situated in Le Mans, France. The cathedral was founded by Saint Julian of Le Mans, the city's first bishop, who established Christianity in the area around the beginning of the 4th century, and co-dedicated to The Virgin and to St Peter.

The links between Le Mans Cathedral and the Plantagenets were close, with events such as the marriage of Geoffrey and Matilda in 1128, the baptism of Henry II in 1133 and Geoffrey's burial in 1151. These relationships were strengthened by financial contributions from Henry II towards the refurbishment of the cathedral.

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When we think of Christian architecture, we may picture towering cathedrals with intricate stained-glass windows, but the roots of this style are much more humble. The earliest Christian structures were not grand, but rather simple house churches. As Christianity grew, its places of worship grew in size and intricacy.

The transition from early Christian to medieval architecture paralelled societal and religious changes. The Romanesque style, characterized by its rounded arches and massive walls, was followed by the Gothic style with its pointed archs, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Christian architecture has created some of the world’s most iconic structures. These buildings all share a common thread: they are physical manifestations of the Christian faith.

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