P A R I S C H U R C H
SAINT-ÉTIENNE-DU-MONT
A tourist who walks around Paris will not remain indifferent, having examined one of the highlights of the ancient religious architecture- the church of Saint- Étienne-du-Mont. Standing in the " shadow " of the Pantheon, it is not as well known as Notre Dame, but it is the object of close attention to the guests of the city due to the unusual decision of the facade and the amazing interior.
A characteristic feature of this temple is the original facade, which is a layering of several artistic styles that were replaced during the period of extensive works on its erection, from 1492 to 1622. The facade is built in a classical way, it consists of three gables, set one on the other. But when you look at this church, it is felt that each of the styles has attached a " hand " to the design of its facade: here you can see the features of laconicism and strict symmetry of the Renaissance, the heavy pretentiousness of the Baroque, simple and sublime Gothic.
The central entrance to the temple is decorated with a classic pediment, a number of Corinthian pilasters, basrelief medallions with scenes from ancient life and niches in which statues of saints were placed.
The next level of the façade, logically continuing the lower one, is at the same time filled with architectural elements inherent in baroque constructions: a rounded pediment, attics with blind windows, round windows, and a general principle of " flowing " of shapes. The Gothic roof with a window-outlet, which as though tries to raise still more, completes this composition visually to extend upwards all architectural design.
The powerful buttresses, stretching all along the length of the building, give the church greater stability and monumentality, and, at the same time, create a special rhythm of architecture. It is interesting that with the exceptional individuality of each of the styles presented here, such a bizarre combination of them does not introduce disharmony into the face of the church, but, on the contrary, creates the impression of logic and unity.
The interior of the temple, in the continuation of the game of styles, is remarkable for its unusual originality. Gothic is clearly expressed in three naves with a transept with their ribbed arches, pointed windows, richly decorated with stained-glass windows of the 16th-17th centuries and in tall pillars of cylindrical shape supporting the galleries above the arcades.