In the world of architecture, the Gothic style stands out for its majestic cathedrals with soaring spires and intricate details. But did you know that the birthplace of Gothic architecture wasn’t the cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, as commonly believed, but rather the Basilica of Saint-Denis?
From Romanesque to Gothic
In the 12th century, Europe witnessed a dramatic shift in architectural style. The Romanesque architectural tradition, characterized by thick walls and small windows, had dominated for centuries. However, a newfound desire for greater height, light, and grandeur paved the way for the Gothic era. Gothic architecture introduced innovative structural elements that would redefine cathedrals and inspire awe for generations to come. This transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture was greatly influenced by Suger (c. 1081 – 1151), abbot of the Saint-Denis abbey.
Saint-Denis: Place of Pilgrimage
According to legend, on the hill in the north of the capital of the Frankish Empire – where the Montmartre Cathedral now stands – a monk was beheaded. Carrying his head in his hands, he walked north from Lutetia, as Paris was called in Roman times, until he collapsed six kilometers away in Saint-Denis. The church, not longer than 20 meters, was then built (around 475 AD) on that spot and expanded over the centuries. Saint-Denis became a patron saint for France.
In the year 636, the relics of Saint-Denis were reinterred in a 80-meters long basilica, build by King Dagobert. It now became a sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage. Saint-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, 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.
Abbot Suger: Visionary of the Basilica Saint-Denis
Under Suger’s leadership (and with the support of the royal treasury) the cathedral was renovated and transformed into the masterpiece that it is today. His aim: to create a place of divine radiance and spiritual transcendence through architecture. His ambitious vision laid the groundwork for what would later be known as the Gothic style.
Saint-Denis pioneered key architectural features that defined Gothic cathedrals. These include ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and the innovative use of flying buttresses. These elements combined to achieve what had previously been considered impossible—soaring heights and expansive, sun-drenched interiors.
Ribbed Vaults
It was discovered that if ribs (a rib is an extra strip of stone) were used to reinforce vaults then the wall between the ribs could be made much thinner than without ribs. This meant that ceilings and walls could become much thinner. Ribbed vaults replaced the solid stone ceilings of the Romanesque era. These vaults allowed cathedrals to reach unprecedented heights while reducing the need for thick supporting walls.
Pointed Arches
The pointed arch was an influence from the Middle-East and emerged as a fundamental feature of Gothic design. It produced less outward thrust than the rounded arch and therefore walls could be made thinner and more windows could be used. Another benefit was that the pointed arch could span a wider distance than a rounded one. This meant that windows could become bigger.
Flying Buttresses
Buttresses had been used during the Romanesque era to support walls (a buttress is a structure projecting out from a wall which strenghtens it). A flying buttress is a development on from this. It consists of two parts; a ‘buttress’ – which stands up straight and a ‘flyer’ which is an arch joining the buttress to the exterior wall of the church. The development of Flying Buttresses meant that walls could be built much thinner and higher.
The Burgundian pointed arch or the Norman rib vault, individually, weren’t novel. What was innovative was their combination. “Gothic architecture didn’t evolve from Romanesque art but resulted from the aspiration to create something new with the old”, (Toman, 2013). But what inspired Suger to tackle it completely differently? And why was it necessary to combine various construction techniques?
Vision of Light: Lux Mirabilis
In the monastery of Saint-Denis, several highly influential writings were housed. Suger was particularly inspired by the treatise ‘On the Celestial Hierarchy, the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy, and the Mystical Theology’ by ‘Pseudo-Dionysius (see box). The power of God was associated with light in this treatise. The closer a creature is to God, the more light it receives and reflects that Divine light.
Inspired by Pseudo-Dionysius, Suger understood that light could bring people closer to God. Thus, as much light as possible had to flow unimpeded into the church, especially on the choir side where the sun rises. Therefore, Suger instructed his builders to make the windows in the choir as large as possible. There was just one problem: no one knew how to create large windows in those massive (Romanesque) walls without risking collapse.
It eventually succeeded by combining three (already existing) techniques: the ribbed vault, the pointed arch, and the external support structure with buttresses and flying buttresses.
Pseudo-Dionysius
For a long time, the treatise ‘On the Celestial Hierarchy’ was attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite (known from the book of Acts in the Bible). In the Middle Ages, there were already people who doubted if that was correct. It is now established that the author of these writings was not the same person as the Dionysius from the book of Acts. He was also not the first bishop of Paris who died as a martyr. The trail leads back to a Syrian monk who lived around the year 600 AD. He is commonly referred to as ‘Pseudo-Dionysius.’
Rebuilding Saint-Denis: First Gothic Church
Many cathedrals in France were built after the old structures went up in flames, allowing a fresh start with new designs. Suger didn’t have this luxury. The ancient abbey church of Saint-Denis, commissioned by Charlemagne, was, according to legend, dedicated to Jesus Christ himself.
This obligated Suger to gradually rebuild the old church according to his vision. He initiated the process in 1135 with the portal on the west side. By the year 1140, he commenced the construction of the new Gothic choir on the east side, preserving the original nave and transept.
In 1144, the choir was completed, featuring tall, luminous walls adorned with colorful glass that allowed divine light to cascade in. This effect was heightened by chapels built around the choir, each equipped with large windows. No other building had showcased this phenomenon in such a manner. This layout would later become characteristic of Gothic cathedrals.
Characteristic of Suger’s pursuit of light was the removal of the rood screen, ‘dividing the nave like a dark wall’. This, he believed, would ‘prevent any obstacle from eclipsing the beauty and grandeur of the church’ (Duby, 1983). Many English churches still retain a rood screen.
Poor Man's Bible
Additionally, Suger enlisted talented artisans and craftsmen to produce statues, including gargoyles and chimeras, as well as other decorative elements for both the interior and facade of the structure. These additions not only enhanced the visual appeal but also provided a means for the masses of illiterate believers to connect with their faith. The statues and stained-glass windows featured biblical stories, symbols, and signs, effectively serving as a “poor man’s bible” for anyone passing by or entering these churches.
Saint-Denis Cathedral: A Guiding Light
The reconstruction of the Saint-Denis Cathedral set off a chain reaction, with the Cistercians playing a pivotal role. At first, they disapproved of external show and adornments. Bernard of Clairvaux captured it well: “The church sparkles on all sides, but the poor live in deprivation; its stones are covered in gold, but its children have nothing to clothe themselves with.”
The Cistercians, establishing filial monasteries across Europe, played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Gothic architecture. Saint-Denis served as a model for cathedrals like Noyon (1131-1185), Sens (1140-1164), Laon (1160-1225) and Paris (1163-1250). The high Gothic period (1180-1270) witnessed the construction of around 80 cathedrals in France alone, spreading to England, Germany, Spain, and, to a lesser extent, Italy.
Visiting Paris? Don't forget to see Saint-Denis!
Annually, approximately 140,000 people visit Saint-Denis cathedral (2019 figures). In contrast, Notre-Dame de Paris attracts a staggering 14 million visitors. Many tourists in Paris may not realize they are merely 10 kilometers from the birthplace of Gothic architecture. The reconstruction of Saint-Denis’s northern tower (expected by 2028) might lead to more visitors discovering the divine light of Saint-Denis.
About the BASILIQUE SAINT-DENIS
- Building period: 1135-1140 (Western facade), 1140-1144 (choir), finished 1281
- Lenght: 108 m
- Width: 39 m
- Height (vault): 29 m
- Height (northern tower): 86 m
The building is of singular importance historically and architecturally as its choir, completed in 1144, is widely considered the first structure to employ all of the elements of Gothic architecture.
In the 12th century, the abbot Suger rebuilt portions of the abbey church using innovative structural and decorative features. In doing so, he is said to have created the first truly Gothic building. In the following century the master-builder Pierre de Montreuil rebuilt the nave and the transepts in the new Rayonnant Gothic style.
You can visit the cathedral, tickets can be purchased online (€ 11,-, or € 14 with audio guide). Prepare your visit with the information provided by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (check out the app!).
LUX Travel Tips
- Book your ticket online to ensure your ticket is secured.
The Basilique-Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is located in the commune of Saint-Denis, in the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis. The address is 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Saint-Denis.
From Paris, take a metro, line 13, stop Basilique Saint-Denis.
Book your hotel in Paris here. Remember: accommodation in the outer center is often better priced than the inner centre of Paris.
