Through My Eyes, In My Words:

Medieval Architecture in Northern Europe: Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands

Taught by Leonard A. Van Gulick, Matthew Baird Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Ellouise Van Gulick, visiting part-time instructor of mechanical engineering

Bonnie Hoy of Smithville, N.J., is a chemical engineering major. A member of the campus chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, she has done research in biochemical engineering with Polly Piergiovanni, associate professor of chemical engineering, and in organic chemistry under the guidance of Charles Nutaitis, associate professor of chemistry. She is a peer tutor, resident adviser in Rubin Hall, and director of scholarship of her sorority, Delta Gamma.

One foot in front of another, one step after another, in a narrow winding staircase, and 509 steps later, I was standing atop Cologne Cathedral with a magnificent view of the city from a height of 98 meters (322 feet). Looking down I was amazed to see such detailed statues surrounding the cathedral. In addition, I found it very impressive that this cathedral (among other historical monuments) was built with heavy stones and without the use of modern machinery such as cranes.

Throughout our trip, we studied different architectural styles in churches and cathedrals as well as town halls and bell towers. We began our three-week journey in Brussels, Belgium. Because Brussels is centrally located, we were able to take many day trips via train to other cities in Belgium – Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Louvain, and Tournai. Each had its own characteristics. For example, Antwerp is known as the world trade center for the diamond industry, and Louvain is a university city. In fact, at the University Library of Louvain, we found the name of Lafayette College along with the names of many other American colleges and universities engraved on the building as a result of their generous donations to help rebuild the library after World War II.

Following Belgium, we journeyed to the Netherlands. There we visited Utrecht and Maastricht. We also had the opportunity to climb to the top of the bell tower in Utrecht. A unique feature I found in the Netherlands was the popularity of riding a bicycle. There were more bike racks than parking lots! Everywhere I turned, there was another bicyclist ringing his/her bell at me to move out of the way. Also, both cities we visited were near universities. Thus, the surroundings catered to the needs and desires of students. As a result, we enjoyed our trip in the Netherlands.

With about a week left in Europe, we headed to Cologne and Trier in Germany. In addition to the churches and cathedrals we got to see the remains of a Roman amphitheater and Roman bath complex. Delicious food, including an “all-you-can-eat” rib dinner at a local brewery, and incredible shopping were some of many highlights in Germany.

Last, we were given a “free day.” Some of us chose to go Paris and others to Amsterdam. I went to Paris. After climbing to the tops of three bell towers and a cathedral, we were more than ready to climb the Eiffel Tower. We also visited the L’Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre and ended our day with a lovely French dinner at a restaurant with a view of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Overall, this course in Northern Europe was absolutely incredible. We spent our time building new friendships and experiencing European cultures, while studying the effects of Roman architecture in its churches and cathedrals.