Doors for places of worship: functions and characteristics
The doors for places of worship are not only architectural elements. They also represent a welcoming symbol for the faithful and for all those who visit the church. In addition to their practical function of protecting the interior of the building from the cold, rain and wind, as well as from intrusions, these doors also have an important aesthetic function as they contribute to create an atmosphere of holiness and beauty thanks to the suggestive decorations and artistic and religious motifs that generally adorn them. When we talk about materials for the realization of these imposing elements of sacred architecture, we know that wooden doors are the most common, but there are also more particular variants in wrought iron or other high quality materials. Regardless of the material, however, all church doors can be customized, for example with the addition of stained glass windows or sculptures, to meet the specific needs of the clergy and faithful.
From ancient to modern: the evolution of church doors and their materials
Over the centuries, church doors have been made in various styles to match the religious architecture of the time. In the past, they were most frequently decorated with sculptures and reliefs representing biblical scenes or religious figures. Nowadays the church door is made to meet functional needs taking into account the design and aesthetics currently more modern that characterizes many churches scattered throughout Italy. In fact, architectural elements with cleaner and simpler lines are preferred together with new materials such as aluminum.
