We think of "gothic" as kind of dark and sinister grotesque with way too much eyeliner, but gothic cathedrals show that it implies the exact opposite. Did you know that gothic cathedrals (like Chartres) were actually designed in this particular style to let as much light in as possible?

A large part of the religious experience was thanks to the transcendental qualities of light. These magnificent stained glass windows become a portal to the heavens, lighting up the cathedral in the most remarkable way. Think about it. You're standing in a colossal building, covered in rubies and emeralds that shine through the massive stained glass windows- who wouldn't feel it?