Watch The Cathedral

The Great Courses offers a fascinating exploration of one of the most iconic architectural wonders of the world with their course, The Cathedral. This course is designed for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of Gothic cathedrals and how they came to be built. Over the course of 24 lectures, The Cathedral covers everything from the basics of Gothic architecture to the intricacies of the building process, and even the spiritual and sociological significance of these magnificent structures.

The course is led by Dr. William R. Cook, a distinguished professor of history at the State University of New York. Drawing on decades of experience studying the history of medieval Europe, Dr. Cook leads a thorough exploration of these masterpieces of human creativity from their origins in the 12th century to the present day. He provides context for the political, economic, and social realities of the time, and explains how these factors impacted the design and construction of the cathedrals.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Cathedral is its focus on the intricate details of these buildings. Dr. Cook takes the viewer on virtual tours of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in Europe, including Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres Cathedral, and Salisbury Cathedral, among others. He explains the symbolism and meaning behind every aspect of these structures, from the elaborate stained-glass windows to the soaring arches and ribbed vaults. His explanations are accompanied by stunning visuals, including detailed 3D models, high-resolution photographs, and even drone footage of the buildings from above.

Throughout the course, Dr. Cook offers a wealth of interesting anecdotes and historical tidbits about the cathedrals and the people who built them. For example, he explains how the process of building a cathedral could take over a century, and how the skilled craftsmen who worked on the structures would often pass down their knowledge through generations of apprentices. He also discusses the important role that religion played in the creation of the cathedrals, and how they were designed not just as places of worship, but also as physical embodiments of the Christian faith.

In addition to the architectural and historical aspects of the cathedrals, The Cathedral also explores their enduring cultural significance. Dr. Cook discusses how these buildings served as cultural and artistic centers, fostering the development of music, literature, and other creative endeavors. He also explains how the cathedrals became powerful symbols of national identity, and how they were eventually adopted by other religions and cultures as a model for their own houses of worship.

Overall, The Cathedral is a fascinating and engaging course that will appeal to anyone interested in Gothic architecture, European history, or cultural studies. Dr. Cook is an excellent instructor, with a deep knowledge of his subject matter and a talent for making complex concepts accessible to a general audience. The course is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations and stunning visuals that bring the cathedrals to life. Anyone who has ever been awed by the beauty and complexity of these magnificent structures will find The Cathedral to be a richly rewarding exploration of their history and significance.

The Cathedral is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between October 29, 2010 and on The Great Courses