Ancient Cathedrals in the New

World
Europe is the home of ancient cathedrals. The most
magnificent examples of this architecture are the gothic
cathedrals of Northern Europe and Spain. After the
discovery of the New World, the Spanish built similar
masterpieces in Mexico City, Puebla, and Lima. Later
the residents of New York and Washington D.C.
designed their own versions of gothic temples. Often
forgotten, however, are more ancient, magnificent
cathedrals in the west.
Long before the First Americans peopled this
continent or Europeans staked out claims in the New
World, nature herself carved ancient cathedrals in Utah.
At first early colonists overlooked these temples. It
took early geologists in the region to identify the much

Millions of years ago the First Architect

decided to site one of his most beautiful creations
south of the Great Salt Lake. Work was of such
proportions that he invested millions of years in its
construction. He sculpted towers, vaults, buttresses,
and arches of great height and delicacy. The
immense vertical lines, the decorative detail, and the
visual majesty are unmatched by any structure in the
world.
What was most innovative, however, were
intricate walls, natural sky roof, and the melding of
styles. The pink and orange tinted walls and towers
needed no stained glass windows, because there was
no dome blocking the natural light. The roof is
always open, allowing the sun to change the colors of
the towers during its daytime travels. At night the
vertical lines point to the illumination of the
galaxies .

The dimensions of this cathedral exceed all

those any architect ever imagined. The vaults,
towers, and buttresses cover miles of hallowed
ground. The construction of such a huge
cathedral required millions of years. Lovingly the
Engineer carved the piers, walls, and massive
towers. Built with a combination of white, pink,
and orange stone, the traveling orbe changes the
tonality of the colors throughout the day.

Below are the piers which sustain the

cathedral. Some of organ pipes are also visible.

An especially unique feature of this

cathedral is the insertion of vegetation into
its very heart. The architect planted
ground- cover, shrubs, and trees. This
verdant contrast with the colorful stone
shows the complementary relationship of
life and death.
The seasons also make an important
contribution to the beauty of this cathedral.
In spring the floors are greens whereas in
summer and fall they turn chalky yellow.

The contrast between the

architecture and the vibrancy of
nature seen below portrays a
relationship of life and architecture
rarely seen in this world.

Then, when the snow flies, the

transept, choir, and sanctuary turn
white.

The size of this natural cathedral

exceeds the imagination. Millions of
years in the making!

It is important to observe that

many other architectural traditions
are also observable in this outdoor
cathedral. Below, note that the
classical use of the chalice and vase
are given new proportions.

Below the sense of height and

delicacy come together in this
magnificent classic statue.

This National Treasure awaits your

visit any time of the year. You will
feel the grandeur and perhaps
recognize the passion of the
Architect as he created this earthly
miracle.

Lorenzo Bellis 2016