Saint-Denis cathedral (Basilique cathedrale Saint-Denis) is often seen as one of the most important buildings in the history of Gothic architecture. Abbot Suger was the brain (though not the architect!) behind it. He transformed the existing romanesque abbey church in a feast of light. But why?
Saint-Denis Cathedral: sanctuary for the French
Around the year 475 AD, Saint-Denis de la Chapelle was build. St. Denis was a patron saint for France. In the year 636, the relics of St. Denis were reinterred in the basilica. It now became a sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage. St. Denis was so important to the french that nearly every king from the 10th century until the 19th century was buried in this necropolis.
One of those kings is Louis VI (1081-1137). He was a school companion of Suger (1081-1151), and yes, he was born in the same year! Where Louis was prepared to rule France, Suger was raised in the abbey of Saint-Denis. Possibly with some help of the king, Suger became abbot in 1122. Under his leadership the cathedral was renovated and transformed into the masterpiece that it is today.
Lux: God is light
Starting point for the rebuilding of the abbey church was Suger’s obsession with the concept of light (or “lux” in Latin). He believed that light was a symbol of God’s presence on earth. He wanted to create a church that would be filled with light. He believed that light was the material that could take people to the truth and the intellectual.
Suger’s renovation of the Saint-Denis cathedral started in 1137 and was a massive undertaking. The existing church, built in the 7th century in the Romanesque style, was a dark and gloomy place, with small windows and thick walls. Suger ordered to combine new building innovations, like the rib vault and pointed arches, to create more light in the church. These innovations made it possible to build higher walls but with more space for windows.
As a result, the Saint-Denis cathedral was filled with light, which helped to create a mystical and spiritual atmosphere. Suger even ordered to break down the choir screen, “so that the beauty and grandeur of the Church may not be obscured by any hindrance” (Duby, 1976).
"I have attempted to bring the light of true faith to the eyes of the faithful"
St. Denis as Gothic blueprint
Suger’s renovation of the Saint-Denis cathedral was revolutionary. It had a profound influence on the development of Gothic architecture. His use of light and the way he structured the space of the church inspired other architects to create similar structures.
The Gothic style quickly spread throughout Europe. Many of the great cathedrals of Europe, like Sens (1140-1164), Noyon (1131-1185), Laon (1160-1225) and Paris (1163-1250), were built in the Gothic style and were inspired by the Saint-Denis Cathedral.
‘New’ tower
Today, Saint-Denis cathedral is a must-see for those who appreciate great architecture and design. It remains one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture. It is a testament to the vision of one man who was obsessed with the concept of light, and who transformed a simple church into a shining example of what human beings are capable of creating.
Did you know…?
At the moment (2023), a controversial reconstruction project for the spire of Saint-Denis basilica is underway. The spire was dismantled during the 19th century, but now it will be restored and made accessible to the public. What do you think, should they restore the tower? Let us know!
- Visit the website of the Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis
The Birthplace of Gothic Architecture is in Paris
Not the Notre-Dame of Paris is the Birthplace of Gothic Architecture, but the cathedral of Saint-Denis, build by abbot Suger.
