Saint Denis Basilica

If you love Gothic cathedrals, or even if you are not sure but think you might, there is a book you must read.  Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth, it was recently made into a mini-series by Starz and they did a nice job!  I have read the book multiple times, I have listened to the audio version, and now I have watched/bought the mini-series.  In case I am not being clear, it is one of my favorite books of all time!  The cathedral is the central character while the fictional town of Kingsbridge and people that live there are a part of a larger web within which the cathedral spins.  Ken Follett is a wonderful writer, I think I have read his entire oeuvre. 

Saint Denis and Abbot Suger play a small but critical role in the book as the "Kingsbridge" Cathedral evolves from the Romanesque era to the new and innovative Gothic style.  I mention this book because eventually in March I will be making a pilgrimage of sorts to Wells & Salisbury Cathedrals in England to visit the actual structures that inspired Follett. 

The "Gothic" era became international and each geographic area put their own stamp on this type of construction.  You will see a lot of photographs of various churches and cathedrals on this blog.  Bear in mind that I try to take photographs that will give people a sense of these wonderful structures but they truly do them no justice.  A visit in person is necessary to truly understand their awesome and inspirational power.

St. Denis is the burial place for royalty in France and tombs with effigies are all over the church. Marie Antoinette & Louis the XVI are just two of the recognizable names and likenesses around the Basilica. 
Some of the stained glass in this structure is original from 12th century.  Rose Windows are often an important part of the theological program as well as the aesthetics of Gothic cathedrals and it is said that they were an innovation of Abbot Suger.  One of the Rose windows at St. Denis is being restored but the other is magnificent!  On the front of the cathedral, in the center portal, the Last Judgment is featured and one of the above photographs illustrates the demons that are stealing the souls that are headed in the wrong direction for eternity.  While the heavenly imagery is lovely, the sculptors really enjoyed depicting the creatures from Hell. 
In less than one hour from our temporary home at the Cite Universitaire in Paris I can stand in the first Gothic cathedral in the world, and I intend to do so several more times!