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Windows do more than provide natural lighting. Their shape, size, and trim can emphasize key elements in your home. With the right window, you can transform a drab bedroom or living space into a work of art.
Architects around the world have recognized windows’ eye-catching effect and used them to transform their structures into breathtaking masterpieces. Take a closer look at these world-famous windows when you need a little inspiration for your home.
Augsburg Cathedral, Germany
Founded in the 11th century, Augsburg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Many tourists visit the structure each year because of its unique features: carved reliefs portraying the Virgin Mary, a tympanum with the Annunciation and Birth of Christ, and even a bronze door with 35 bronze panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament.
While you could spend years admiring the architecture, one of Augsburg’s key features is its five stained glass windows. These windows date back to the late 11th century and early 12th century, making them the oldest stained glass windows in Germany. These windows distinctly capture the prophets Daniel, David, Jonah, Hosea, and Moses.
Chartres Cathedral, France
Chartres Cathedral, or the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Chartres, is a medieval cathedral. This cathedral has a fascinating history, as it is the last of at least five cathedrals built on the site. Each time war or fire damaged the cathedral, residents constructed a new cathedral to replace it.
While nothing remains from the earliest cathedral, the stained glass windows have lasted since the early 13th century. In fact, builders designed Chartres to meet the needs of these stained glass windows. It features three-part elevation with external buttressing, which allows for much larger windows than earlier designs. Because of this, Chartres can support all 176 windows filled with dense, darkly colored stained glass.
While the sheer size and number of these windows are impressive, Chartres Cathedral is primarily known for its three rose windows. The western rose displays the Last Judgement, the northern rose features the Virgin and Child, and the southern rose shows Christ surrounded by adoring angels.
Chicago Cultural Center, USA
The Chicago Cultural Center features critically acclaimed art exhibits, performances, and lectures for visitors-for free. It is one of the most popular attractions in the USA simply because of its comprehensive art showcases.
While the inside programs and art are spectacular, it’s the building itself that attracts visitors from around the world. The Chicago Cultural Center houses the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world, built by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Its 38-foot diameter dome contains approximately 30,000 individual glass pieces in 243 sections held within an ornate cast-iron frame.
Grossmunster Cathedral, Switzerland
Zurich’s Grossmunster Cathedral is a 12th century Catholic cathedral. According to legend, Charlemagne founded the cathedral after his horse stopped over the graves of three Christian martyrs.
Many tourists love Grossmunster for its inspiring twin towers that dominate Zurich city (whose other buildings are modestly sized). The cathedral has some Romanesque carvings of plants and animals along the north side and some bronze doors with biblical panels on the south side.
Despite its early construction, Grossmunster’s windows are a fairly modern feature. Augusto Giacometti constructed these windows in 1933. Unlike typical stained glass, many of these windows feature thin slices of agate, as well as stones much older than the cathedral itself. The ribbed lines of stone create a modern, abstract look while still respecting the building’s older architecture.
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision, Netherlands
If you’re interested in more modern stained glass windows, look no further than the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision. Willem Jan Neutelings and Michiel Riedijk created this building as a cultural focal point for Hilversum city. The cube-shaped building functions as both a museum and an office.
The front side of the building features 2,100 different colored high relief glass panels. These panels display scenes from Dutch television, though many of these scenes are blurred and almost indiscernible from certain angles.
York Minster Cathedral, England
York Minster Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. While the first recorded church on the site was a wooden structure built in 627, much of the current cathedral was built during the 13th century.
York Minster houses more than 128 windows, each featuring historic stained glass dating from the 12th century to the 20th century. However, it’s dominated by four famous windows: the Great East Window, the Great West Window, The Rose Window, and the Five Sisters Window. Each of these windows feature prominent figures from the Bible as well as historical figures in the Catholic church, such as previous archbishops of York.
Let Windows Inspire You
These famous windows and buildings inspire countless tourists and visitors each year. Take the time to admire their beauty, and think about getting windows that will inspire your own guests and visitors.