The Five Most Stunning Stained Glass Attractions of All Time
(4 min read) One thing that is pretty much permanent in most of our blog posts is that we always do our best to accentuate how fabulous, practical, and sustainable glass is. We wrote about the benefits of glass mosaic tiles numerous times, and we even touched on the history of glass as a material. Now it is due time for us to pay an homage to its majesty, stained glass.
The making of any stained glass artwork starts with a drawing, also called a cartoon. The artist cuts solid pieces of colored glass and decorates pieces of textured glass with enamel colors. Once the pieces are ready, they are properly set and held together with lead strips. Note to everyone, this sounds much less complicated than it actually is. Working with stained glass requires years of experience and skill.
Once upon a time stained glass art was restricted to ornamenting cathedrals and churches, as well as some momentous architectural designs, such as parliament buildings and university halls. Stained glass art was usually used to visually narrate events from the Bible, or commemorate meaningful historical moments.
Modern stained glass artists often use these same topics to this day, simply because stained glass art is so perfectly fitting for such depictions. That doesn’t mean that stained glass art hasn’t evolved over time. These days you can often see gorgeous stained glass sculptures and sci-fi-looking three-dimensional structures in galleries and posh homes of the upper class. Just like before, stained glass is still a sign of wealth, good taste, and class.
5. Coventry Cathedral in the United Kingdom
One of the main reasons why Coventry Cathedral is so well known and popular is its amazing stained glass windows designed by Keith New, Lawrence Lee, and Geoffrey Clarke. These glorious windows represent a pattern of growth of humans from birth to old age, culminating at the high altar. They were made just like mosaic murals, by carefully puzzling small, multi-hued glass together.
4. Cathedral of Maringa in Brazil
The Cathedral of Maringa is the tallest in South America. It towers 124 meters above ground and that fact on its one is enough to impress any visitor. However, the most captivating thing about the Maringa Cathedral is its stunning modern stained glass windows. Jose Augusto Bellucci was heavily influenced by the Sputnik program and Soviet satellites when he designed the Cathedral of Maringa. Its contemporary narrowed shape and futuristic stained glass windows are the result of that.
3. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Iran
The famous Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is also known as the Pink Mosque for its use of beautiful pink color tiles. This modern, vibrant fantasy was made into reality thanks to two terrific architect designers, Muhammad Reza Kashi Pz-e-Shirazi and Muhammad Hasan Memar. The whole facade of the mosque is completely ornamented with stained glass art including traditional designs, such as Panj Kaseh-I, or the five concaves.
2. Sainte Chapelle in France
Sainte Chapelle in Paris is one of the most popular Chapelles in the world, and the main reason for that is undoubtedly its magnificent stained glass windows. The large flamboyant rose windows on the western wall go all the way to the top of the chapel, illustrating the scenes from the New Testament, while the windows of the nave narrate the scenes from the Old Testament. The last window illustrates a series of scenes depicting the rediscovery of Christ’s artifacts and their relocation to Paris.
1. La Sagrada Familia in Spain
La Sagrada Familia is the most eminent symbol of Barcelona and one of the most impressive artworks in the world. the celebrated Antoni Gaudi designed La Sagrada Familia so that the complete layout of the church, and its whole facade are ornamented with a rich and meaningful symbology, while still giving the fragmentary impression. This astounding temple is expected to be finished in 2026 according to builders. It was started back in 1882, meaning that it will take nearly 150 years to build it. It will be finished in time to honor the centenary of Gaudi’s death.
These five stained glass artworks are our choices for the most stunning stained glass pieces ever made. Keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is often a very personal feeling, so feel free to give us your impressions and picks in the comment section.
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21 Comments
These are all absolutely gorgeous. I’ve always loved stain glass. The designs and the way they capture the lights is just stunning.
I really love the look of stained glass. I love the stained glass in Spain the best!
Oh wow! These are all stunning! I particularly love the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. I have been to Canterbury Cathedral which has some very impressive stained glass. I would also love to go to Barcelona.
Decorating with glass mosaic tiles adds a touch of charm to any place of a house. An informative read indeed!
I especially loved learning about the history behind each piece and how stained glass has evolved over time. It’s inspiring to think about the skill and creativity involved in these masterpieces!
These are all absolutely amazing and I really love stained glass windows – We got one designed for our hallway. I did not know about the ones in Coventry Cathedral so this will be a must visit for us xx
All of those stained glass decorations are looking absolutely amazing!
Wow! All that was so beautiful. I am amazed with all the designs and color combinations.
Those stained glass attractions are amazing. They are certainly a work of art. Such creativity and talent shown in those glasses.
I always find something so magical about stained glass windows. They really are beautiful
These are all absolutely gorgeous! I love stained glass as much as I do mosaics. They both have that same vibe.
I’ve never seen such a beautiful glass mosaic in a mosque! Those are really pretty and detailed. I’d love to see that myself….
WOW! this is a stunning collection of stained glass! I love the traditional style but I also love the more modern ones at Coventry Cathedral.
I am always amazed by all the art you share with us. Keep sharing please, I’m looking forward to more.
Decorating a house with stained mosaic glass tiles sounds like a super attractive idea. Thanks for the tips!
I am always amazed at the intricate details of these installations and the skills that it takes to create them.
I have bookmarked this post so that when. I go on my travels I can check out several of these beautiful stained glass creations! They are stunning and so gorgeous!
The examples of these stunning mosaic masterpieces are unprecedented. I would like to see them in person. The play of light is magnificent.
It looks like decorating a home’s front area with stained glass artwork sounds pretty wonderful. Thanks for explaining how its done.
Stained glass windows are an artwork in a league of their own. It must have been a challenged to come up with the five most stunning!
Wow! This is indeed absolutely stunning. The stained glass windows in Sainte Chapelle in Paris, France is my favorite. It looks really beautiful.