Flying buttresses--a Notre Dame original--hold up the high walls of this Gothic cathedral : Paris, FR
According to Wikipedia, Notre Dame was one of "the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports)." Apparently, the original building didn't call for this feature, but stress fractures began appearing in the walls as the building grew in height. Arched exterior supports were added to hold up the walls and this eventually become a pattern in this type of Gothic architecture. Load bearing columns also assist in holding up the high ceilings that make this type of architectural style so lofty and awe-inspiring. This picture was taken from the back of the building and you can just see them peeking out above the tree line, holding up the apse of this grand cathedral.
Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 1/10
3 comments:
I'm getting a sense of deja vu here. Oh, I know...remember your photo of the radio tower in D.C.?
I'm loving this tour with your awesome photos Janet. You are groovin'!
Technically that's the apse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_diagram), but it's all gorgeous. I love all these shots of one of my favorite places in one of my favorite cities.
Debi: Thanks. Are you referring to this series of photos?
http://wdc-confidential.blogspot.com/2008/02/starry-starry-night.html
JA: You are correct. Thanks.
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