Katedrali

Katedrali is the term used in several languages, notably Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Albanian, to refer to the principal church of a Christian diocese, typically the seat of a bishop. The English term cathedral derives from Latin cathedra, meaning chair or seat, via Old French cathedrale. In many languages, katedrali denotes the church building that houses the bishop’s throne and serves as the central church of the diocese.

Cathedrals function as centers of liturgy, administration, and diocesan ceremonies. They often host ordinations, synods, and major religious events, and may contain the bishop’s cathedra, crypts, archives, and diocesan offices. They frequently occupy prominent or historic sites in cities and may be important cultural landmarks beyond their religious roles.

Architecturally, cathedrals exhibit considerable regional and historical variation. Western Christian cathedrals commonly adopt Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque forms with a cruciform layout, a nave, transepts, a choir, and often a prominent tower or dome, stained glass, and sculptural programs. Eastern Orthodox cathedrals emphasize centralized plans and domed structures with rich iconography; numerous regional styles also appear, reflecting local traditions and materials.

Notable examples often cited include Notre-Dame de Paris, Canterbury Cathedral, Milan Cathedral, Seville Cathedral, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Across regions, katedrali stand as religious, historical, and artistic landmarks that have shaped urban skylines and cultural heritage.