Colored glass or stained glass has helped to visually enhance most buildings since the Medieval Age and still continues to have Architect’s and design lover’s interest today. The glass can be used for multiple purposes such as a windows or ceilings. Stained glass consists of colored glass pieces that are connected and outlined by strips of lead or other material and is usually found in cathedrals, mosques, and other religious buildings. This type of glass also became popular for secular spaces which began in the 19th century and can now be seen adorning hotels, private homes, cultural buildings, and sometimes department stores. From a Gothic chapel to a hotel in a city, take a glance at some of the most mesmerizing and astonishing stained window glasses in the world and learn how architects such as Oscar Niemeyer, Antoni Gaudi, and Philip Johnson have used this form of art in some of their iconic designs. We will be giving ten of the most amazing and breathtaking stained glasses windows.
Aachen Cathedral (Germany)
The original glaze window began being constructed in 796 UNESCO World Heritage Site under Emperor Charlemagne and was extended during the middle ages. After this original one was destroyed during World War II, a whopping 84-foot tall stained glass windows lined the sanctuary which was designed by Anton Wendling and Walther Benner.
St. Joseph’s Church (Le Havre, France)
This Neo-Gothic church was built in the 19s in the French port city as a gift to those who died during World War II. This was when the town was almost destroyed. The architect named Auguste Perret was involved in the rebuilding of the city and designed the church. The church also features a 350-foot spire lined with stain glass
Sainte Chapelle (Paris)
This Gothic chapel is decorated with 15 stained glass panels that shows more than a thousand biblical figures in the central part as well as the dome of the church. The panels underwent a long seven year and $10 million worth of restoration, during which the windows were cleaned and removed with the use of lasers. This was commissioned in the 13th century by King Louis the ninth
Thanks-Giving Square (Dallas, Texas)
In the date of 1977, architect Philip Johnson designed a spiraling white chapel to anchor a tranquil three-acre oasis in the core of downtown Dallas. This structure which has 73 stained glass panels is topped off with the Glory Window which was made by the French artist Gabriel Loire.
Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Sebastian (Rio de Janeiro)
Four rectilinear stained glass window stretch some 200 feet to the ceiling of this beehive-like shaped cathedral. This was completed in 1976 as many as 20,000 people can fill the church.
Chicago Cultural Center (Chicago)
The largest stained glass dome in the world is the Louis Comfort Tiffany dome which can be found at the Chicago Cultural Center. This dome was built together by a cast iron frame that features 30,000 pieces of glass shaped like fish scales. This stained glass dome was finished in 1897 which measures 38 feet in length.
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Shiraz, Iran)
This Technicolored mosque in southern Iran sparkles with intricately designed stained glass windows, richly colored tiles, carved pillars and hand-woven rugs. Due to the strategic positioning, morning light produces an effect called Kaleidoscopic within the structure.
King’s College Chapel (Cambridge, England)
In the 14th century, King Henry the sixth laid founded this monumental English Gothic chapel, which consists of the largest fan vault in the world. The 26 stained glass panels were installed more than a century after under the authority of King Henry the eighth. He used them to enforce his position as the Supreme Head of the English church after breaking with Rome.
La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
This can be called to be the most iconic work of the architect named Antoni Gaudi has done. As the Catalan Modernisme cathedral dominates the Barcelona skyline which consists of a stunning abstract of stained glass windows which produces amazing rainbows. The work on the structure began on 1882 and Gaudi never saw the windows installed but left behind a few directives to give his wishes for them. Although still incomplete, the building is now held by the architect Jordi Fauli.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico)
It started as a department store with a soaring stained glass ceiling in the lobby in 1899 which was later remade into a luxury hotel in expectation of the 19’s Olympic Games. The ceiling consists of the country’s inherited Mesoamerican which consists of a selection of turquoise and gold. This was designed by the French artisan Jacques Gruber.
Stained glass is a form of art that has been in existence since Ancient times with Egyptians and Romans who at that time excelled in the manufacture of stained glass. This illuminated wall decorations have been adorning churches or other important buildings since then until now.