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Architechture Question
Jan. 26th, 2011 03:39 pmWorking on a story set in an alternate universe, and the cathedral in this world's Avignon is an important scene for several events. (Note that this is not the same structure as the Avignon Cathedral in the real world, though it is in the same area.) The wife of a main character is playing tour guide, explaining some unusual features of the capital's great cathedral. Here is an excerpt:
"You probably noticed, outside, that the two towers are well back from the front of the cathedral," said Magda, gesturing towards the large, open hallways to either side. "The nave was extended and a new portico constructed about three centuries ago, after the Clouseau fire left a large, open space in front of the cathedral. The Church bought the property and used the land to both extend the nave and create the current plaza. Later, additional offices were built on either side of the extended nave. The result is bell towers which are not on corners, a rarity."
How common is it in the real world to have towers on a cathedral or other large, medieval building which are not on a corner? Maybe the building was extended, as here. Maybe an entire new building was constructed around a surviving tower. I'd appreciate comments on how reasonable this sounds, as well as links to examples. Thank you.
"You probably noticed, outside, that the two towers are well back from the front of the cathedral," said Magda, gesturing towards the large, open hallways to either side. "The nave was extended and a new portico constructed about three centuries ago, after the Clouseau fire left a large, open space in front of the cathedral. The Church bought the property and used the land to both extend the nave and create the current plaza. Later, additional offices were built on either side of the extended nave. The result is bell towers which are not on corners, a rarity."
How common is it in the real world to have towers on a cathedral or other large, medieval building which are not on a corner? Maybe the building was extended, as here. Maybe an entire new building was constructed around a surviving tower. I'd appreciate comments on how reasonable this sounds, as well as links to examples. Thank you.
