History of Paris

Birth of the Gothic style
Dagobert I visiting the construction site of the Abbey of St. Denis (painted 1473) ©Image Attribution forthcoming. Image belongs to the respective owner(s).
1122 Jan 1 - 1151

Birth of the Gothic style

Basilica Cathedral of Saint De

The flourishing of religious architecture in Paris was largely the work of Suger, the abbot of Saint-Denis from 1122–1151 and an advisor to Kings Louis VI and Louis VII. He rebuilt the façade of the old Carolingian Basilica of Saint Denis, dividing it into three horizontal levels and three vertical sections to symbolize the Holy Trinity. Then, from 1140 to 1144, he rebuilt the rear of the church with a majestic and dramatic wall of stained glass windows that flooded the church with light. This style, which later was named Gothic, was copied by other Paris churches: the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and quickly spread to England and Germany.

Last Updated: Sat Jan 13 2024

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