Gothic Cathedrals
Saint Mark
History
Fun Facts
100
What is this image showing that is a crucial part in gothic architecture?
Flying buttress
100
What does the name Saint Mark (Mark the Evangelist) mean?
Protected by the god Mars
100
9th century
100
How many columns and capitals would you think this basilica has?
500 columns, dating between the 6th and 11th centuries
200
When Christians were creating their ideal cathedrals what two elements were the most important?
Height & light
200
Where did the merchants steal Saint Mark's Body from?
Alexandria, Egypt
200
The structure and layout of the basilica is usually inspired by what shape? Why do you think the basilica is topped with 5 domes?
The layout represents a cross, specifically for this basilica it is a Greek cross. The 5 domes help represent God's presence.
200
What is Saint Mark's Basilica known as?
Chiesa d’Oro (Golden Church)
300
This is used to help give a storytelling element and symbolism also to the cathedral, usually depicted above a doorway or entrance.
A Tympanum
300
Mark was one of the four men that did what?
Wrote the Gospels found in the New Testament.
300
Saint Mark's basilica was originally constructed to serve as the chapel of this powerful Venetian ruler.
The Doge of Venice
300
When you enter the church's museum you will see four bronze horses, where were these horses stolen from and during what event in time?
Constantinople during the 4th crusade
400
When looking at a Gargoyle they seem to be scary, what are they intended to be used for?
They are used to help divert water away from the cathedral like a gutter/rain pipe.
400
What was Mark the Evangelist represented as?
A lion.
400
What three styles are in Saint Mark's Basilica?
Mark's Basilica is a mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque styles
400
How tall is the bell towers at Saint Marks basilica?
About 99 meters tall
500
What is an ambulatory? What is its purpose in Gothic Architecture?
An ambulatory is a covered walkway that circles around the apse or choir, allowing pilgrims and worshippers to move around the altar area without disrupting the main service; it's a processional path designed to facilitate the movement of large crowds, particularly during pilgrimage periods.
500
Saint Mark was a companion to this apostle, who was often considered the leader of the early Church and later martyred in Rome
Saint Peter
500
The basilicas dome design was inspired by the architecture of this famous church in Constantinople, which is known for its massive dome and influential Byzantine style.
Hagia Sofia
500
When looking through Saint Marks basilica there are many rich and meaningful mosaics how much do you think there are? What story do you think they are trying to tell?
85,000 square feet, the stories being from the bible