Everything about
the design of a Gothic cathedral was symbolic. (Notice the shape of this
particular cathedral.) Even the geographic layout of the building had
meaning. For example, worshipers entered through the west end of the church
(between the two bell towers, the left side of this picture.) As they walked
through the cathedral, they approached the most important part, the east side.
The east end of the building was always where the altar was placed. They
believed that since the original Garden of Eden was east of Europe, the altar
should be in the east. Since man sinned and lost his original relationship with God
in the east, the altar which restores that relationship --by dealing with sin-- should be in the east as
well. By the way, on medieval maps the east (or the orient), rather than the north, was always at the top. This is why today when we straighten ourselves right-side-up or find our true direction, we call it "orienting" ourselves. Before going inside, let's get a closer look at the side of the building.