Cathedral

A cathedral is a large Christian church that holds the seat of a bishop. A bishop is a leader in some Christian groups who has authority over several churches in a region. The word cathedral comes from the Latin word cathedra, which means "chair." This refers to the bishop's ceremonial chair, which represents his office and role.

Cathedrals were built in many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, a period that lasted from about the 5th to the 15th century. They were often made of stone and took many years to complete. Some builders used the Gothic style, which is a type of design known for tall walls, pointed arches, and large stained-glass windows. Stained-glass windows are colored pieces of glass joined together to form pictures.

Inside a cathedral, there are several important areas. The main space is called the nave, which is the central hall where people gather for worship. At the front is the altar, a table used in religious ceremonies. Many cathedrals also have side chapels, which are small rooms for prayer. The high ceiling and long, open nave were made to allow large groups of people to gather and to create a sense of height.

A cathedral also serves as the center of church government in its area. The bishop leads important ceremonies there, such as ordinations, which are services that make someone an official member of the church clergy. The clergy are people who have special roles in leading worship or caring for the religious needs of others.

Many cathedrals became landmarks in their cities. They often stand in the middle of a town and may be surrounded by markets, houses, or government buildings. Over time, some cathedrals have been repaired or expanded to meet the needs of the community. Because they are made of stone and built with great care, many have survived for hundreds of years.

Well-known examples include Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and Canterbury Cathedral in England. Each cathedral has its own history, design, and traditions, but all serve as the main church for a bishop and the people of the region.