The Church, Synagogue, Mosque or Temple Next Door - Essay Example

Part A Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles abound in many churches of worship in Washington, D.C. Some of them are evident in the Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery, the Washington National Cathedral, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Romanesque architecture, including its revival form, called Neo-Romanesque, has the main characteristics of round arches, semicircular arches on windows and belt courses (separation between stories) (Passikoff 111), while the Byzantine style often has complex vaults with ornamental domes, large open spaces, and lavish decorations with mosaics, gildings, and paintings that have Christian subjects (Waters).

The Gothic style has strong vertical features and sharply pointed arches (Passikoff 85). The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception follows a neo-Byzantine style because of its dome that is the main exterior feature (Figure 1), and because of large open spaces (Figure 2) and lavish mosaics inside (Figure 3). The Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery has a neo-Romanesque style because of its round arches (Figure 4) and pointed roofs (Figure 4), as well as barrel vaults (Figure 5).

The Washington National Cathedral has Gothic style with its vertical emphasis (Figure 6) and interior columns and narrow windows (Figure 7).Figure 1: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate ConceptionFigure 2: Inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate ConceptionFigure 3: Christ in Majesty mosaic by Jan Henryk de Rosen in dome of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.Figure 4: Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan MonasteryFigure 5: Inside the Mount St.

Sepulchre Franciscan MonasteryFigure 6: Washington National CathedralFigure 7: Inside the Washington National CathedralPart B One of the oldest and nearest house of worship where I live is the Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery. Architect Aristide Leonori designed this church. The building started in 1898 and finished in 1899. The Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery has both Byzantine and Romanesque influences. It has a neo-Romanesque style because of its round arches and pointed roofs (Figure 1), as well as barrel vaults (Figure 2).

There are also round arches outside and as part of the entrance of the church. These round arches are also designed with Christian word and sculptures (Figure 1). It also has several pointed roofs and heavy stonework (Figure 1). The outside facade of the church looks simple and dominated with horizontal lines. Aside from the Romanesque style, the church also has Byzantine influences because of its colorful mosaics and lavish decorations, aside from having large interior open spaces (Figure 2).

Figure 3 shows colorful mosaic lavish decorations of the Portico. The arches and ceilings also have numerous colorful designs (Figure 2). Even the altar has a form of tall and ornamental structure around it which shows mixtures of Byzantine and Romanesque influences through having a sophisticated design and use of open space (Figure 3). Outside walls and columns also have colorful designs, such as the colorful angel on the wall and blue and white birds on the columns (Figure 1). The golden color of the roof on the turret of the dome also looks beautiful.

The church’s open grounds and spacious and ornate inner environment combine to create its spiritual atmosphere.Figure 1: Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan MonasteryFigure 2: Inside the Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan MonasteryFigure 3: Portico InteriorWorks CitedPassikoff, Alexander G. A Facade of Buildings: A Collection of Architectural Styles, Architects, and Their Buildings that Make Up the Face of New York. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse, 2011. Print.Waters, Clara Erskine Clement. History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture.

Dayboro: Emereo, 2012. Print.