Valencia Cathedral
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| Source: Own Photo |
Built in the 13th - 15th century as a replacement of the main mosque after King Jaime I of Aragon reshaped the city as a Christian city from the Islamic population, this Gothic style structure consists of a cathedral and an octagonal bell tower, El Micalet, which together give shape to a cruciform with transcepts. It has 3 main entrances, each denoting a different style of architecture, including Romanesque, Neoclassic and Baroque. The main entrance reflects a Baroque style, emphasising a theatrical dimension that resembles the spectacular way architecture was done during that period. In the 17th century, Neoclassical architecture became popular and building work was undertaken to include neoclassical elements to the cathedral. However, in 1972, architects argued that the cathedral should remain its original Gothic form and deconstruction of the neoclassical elements commenced.
The structure is made of stone masonry in which stones are laid in rows and bonded together with mortar. This provides support and protection as stones are very heavy, though it meant that it would have been probelmatic to build. Due to the climate of Valencia, thick stones keep the inside of the building cool, especially during hot summer months, whilst heat doesn’t get trapped inside.
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| Source: Own Photo |
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| Source: Own Photo |
Masonry is very strong in compression, but poor in tension. Therefore, the flying buttresses are designed not only for its aesthetics but also to add additional strength to the building by dissipating load from the roof. Stone masonry usually uses sedimentary stone including limestone and sandstone.
The vaulted ceilings are also used for spreading force and weight whilst providing an impression of height and maginificence that many gothic cathedrals embrace.
As the building was constructed centuries ago, obvious signs of stone staining and deterioration, such as cracks, holes and chips are observed, mainly caused by weather conditions. Rain water can physically and chemically act on stone by decomposing, oxidating and hydrating the minerals contained in them as a result of salt weathering. Salt is naturally present in the atmosphere and mainly affects limestone. When it rains, Calcium Sulphate is produced and acts on the stone whilst it is wet and precipitates into crystals on the surface when it is dry, weathering the limestone.
Wind can also cause erosion as it carries dust and other small particles with it that can be abrasive. Moreover, temperature changes can result in expansion and contraction, causing cracks to form. However, the decay of stone also depends on whether there are different types of stones used together in the masonry. If so, deterioration of stone may be a result of mutual decay where chemicals brought down from one stone deteriorate its neighbouring one.
To preserve the building material, a coating of paint can be added to protect it from corrosion.
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| Source: Own Photo |
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| Source: Own Photo |
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