Gothic Cathedral Door of Our Lady Cathedral, Antwerp

The Gothic door of Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is sight to behold! The details on the arched portion depict so many stories.

Gothic Door of Cathedral of Antwerp

Religious house served as school of moral education in the medieval era. The lessons of right and wrong, and the rewards and punishments of right doings and wrong doings are very clearly shown on Gothic door arches. It is hard to miss seeing them before entering the cathedrals or churches where they are put up.

Gothic details on door of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

I saw this little boy appreciating Gothic Details on Central Door of Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp.

Gothic Details on Central Door of Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp

Some nut or some bolt must have fascinated him that he stood watching it for long.

During my visits to several medieval era cathedrals of Europe one factor that never failed to impress me were the Gothic style doors. Their design is unique that reflects the aesthetic and structural principles of the Gothic architectural style.

These doors are expressions of the architectural philosophy and artistic sensibilities of the era. Their intricate craftsmanship and design serve as a window into the history, culture, and spirituality of the time.

The Gothic style emerged during the Middle Ages in Europe in the cathedrals, churches, and other grand structures of the time. They are known for the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Watch for these interesting features in the gothic doors next time you see one –

  • Pointed arches, also known as ogival arches that create a sense of verticality and elegance, drawing the eye upward
  • Intricate stone or wood carvings, known as tracery, take the form of delicate geometrical patterns, floral motifs, or intricate religious symbols.
  • Gothic architecture emphasizes vertical lines. Tall, elongated proportions contribute to the sense of height and aspiration that is characteristic of the style.
  • The door itself is divided into multiple panels, each featuring ornate detailing showcasing intricate carvings, religious scenes, or other decorative elements.
  • Some Gothic doors are topped with small triangular structures called gablets, often accompanied by canopies or niches containing statues or carvings
  • Gothic doors often served as a visual storytelling medium. Carvings on the doors might depict scenes from religious texts, lives of saints, or biblical narratives.

Gothic Style Doors

Jesus seated at the top. Those in the right side of the panel are right doers, chosen for eternal life; they have a calm serene look in their face.

And to the left are those condemned to tenure in hell, depicted with looks of fear and despair clear on their face. Gabriel, holds the scales of justice. He is shown swaying the sword mercilessly. A study of this panel  by any child, those days, will definitely set the moral values right.

Gabriel, holds the scales of justice Antwerp church Gothic Doors

Gothic arch Door of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

Gothic Style Door

The arches that went over this gothic door had various characters;

  • the first one had angels
  • second one carved with wise men holding scrolls
  • then political figures
  • finally religious authorities.

By now my neck was aching, one can easily spend hours gazing at the details. From a distance the whole scene was like a page from a book.

Details on Door of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

Gothic Cathedral Door

Most likely you will find this central door closed. You can go around the Cathedral’s left door to get in. The closed door enables good photo opportunity.

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