Cathedral Of Immaculate Conception Research Paper

The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception can be found in Portland, Maine. Construction of the cathedral began in 1866 with New York architect, Patrick C. Keeley, in charge. The cathedral is said to be his finest work. Just before the Cathedral was finished, it was burnt down by the devastating Great Fire of 1866 in Portland. Construction began once again in 1868, two years after the fire, and finished one year later on September 8, 1969. The Cathedral is said to be a “magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture,”. Neo-Gothic architecture is an artistic style that originated in the 19th century, characterized by the revival of Gothic and other medieval forms. In architecture it is manifested in pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and mock fortifications.

The cathedral features numerous pointed arches, a vaulted ceiling constructed by ribbed vaults, stained glass windows, coffering in the ceiling, and towers. The interior layout of The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception also is the same basic layout for most Gothic cathedrals. It has an apse, a nave, a narthex, an ambulatory, and coffering. The cathedral does lack the ornate and intricate exterior masonry work that most Gothic cathedrals adorn. From the outside of the cathedral one can see the tall towers and the decorated, pointed arch windows. Each window sports a similar design but has its own stained glass design, all of which are colorful and show Christian iconography and patterns. The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is also made from bricks rather than stone like most Gothic Cathedrals are. The interior of the cathedral is far more decorated than the outside. The floors are made with marble and part of the floor is a mosaic design which depicts Christian iconography and patterns. For what the outside lacks in detail and ornate stone work, the inside compensates for. On the columns, railings, and the altar there is detailed patterns adorning the architecture. Also featured in the apse and along the vaulted ceiling are carved statues in recessed pointed arches. Most of the features inside the cathedral are made from beautiful slabs of marble. The interior of The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception feels more similar to Gothic architecture than the outside, but the outside still incorporates the basic fundamentals of Gothic