Polish Cathedral style

May 29, 2009 by  
Filed under Architectural style

ihm_pittsburgh The Polish Cathedral style of North-American Catholic church is a genre of church architecture found throughout the Great Lakes and Middle Atlantic regions as well as in parts of New England in North America. These churches are not necessarily cathedrals (seats of bishops), or seats of their respective dioceses, but rather monumentally grand churches.

Key characteristics distinguish churches of the Polish Cathedral Style from other architectural styles represented in North-American church buildings. The most visible is the large amount of ornamentation used in decorating both the exterior and interior, comparable only to the more famous Churrigueresque or Spanish Baroque style. The decorations used reflect the tastes of the Polish immigrants to these regions in both the symbols and statuary of saints prominently displayed throughout.

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