Chartres Cathedral vs. Castillo Temple (Maya)

Select and fully identify two examples of sacred spaces from different cultures, one of which must be from beyond the European tradition. Discuss how each space accommodates both the beliefs and practices within its culture. 

Chartres Cathedral in Chartres France and the Castillo (Mayan) in Chichen Ista Mexico both represent places of worship but for two completely different cultures and theological views. Size and exterior were both important facets during the construction of these buildings. The Mayans, whose religion was polytheist and believed the solar calendar played an integral role in their daily life, modeled their temples with such designs. The Steps on the Castillo sum to 365, as many days as there are in the year. Although the Mayans did not have access to compasses, they still were able to angle the temple in position with the sun so that the shadow takes the shape of a serpent that slithers along the pyramids face. The Chartres Cathedral is meant to be seen from the interior by the worshippers rather than viewed from the outside. The Chartres Cathedral also has a play on light in the Virgin and Child and angels detail of stain glass that is meant to transform the interior of the cathedral into a mystical lux nova (new light). The interior of the Castillo temple housed royal burial chambers and figures of fallen warriors. It is also believed sacrifices would be housed in these temples. Because there is not much room for light to enter the temple, the Castillo was not primarily used as a worship gathering place on the interior. The Chartres Cathedral’s primary propose as a sacred building was to hold religious gatherings for the audience to hear sermons and see the relics important to Christianity. The Chartres Cathedral dramatic interior elevation and nave is designed to accommodate worshippers and allow for the central focus of the church to the alter located in the transept. The design of Gothic architecture allowed worshipers to congregate inside in large numbers. The Mayan's religious belief focused more on sacrificing people and animals to their gods to receive thanks in return. Castillo accommodates the sacrificial belief of the Mayans because it houses the sacrifices as offerings to the gods. The long steps to the top of the Castillo temple create a painful enough journey that entering the temple would not be something the common folk would do. On the contrary, the Chartres Cathedral is designed to allow easy access for many people to view the relics and her about their single god with no sacrifices involved. While Castillo and other Mayan temples were inspired by the mountains surrounding the landscape, the Chartres Cathedral and other Gothic cathedral’s relied on the decedent designs of the architect while following the rules of Gothic architecture.