Masonry in the Media: Notre Dame Cathedral, King’s Cross Station, and More

Words: Lily Burger
Photos: mtrommer, MICHAEL WORKMAN, Tolga_TEZCAN, JohnnyGreig, climbbike, JeffGoulden, benedek, Kyrylo Neiezhmakov


The settings of films can take viewers to different parts of the world and express the story through visually stunning locations. From Victorian train stations to medieval architectural marvels, these four iconic movie locations enhanced the storytelling of the movies they were in.

Castillo de Zafra - Game of Thrones
The Castillo de Zafra, a stunning medieval fortress in Spain’s Guadalajara province, was constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Built atop a rocky crag, its strategic location allowed for exceptional defensive strategies. The castle’s masonry blends Romanesque and Mudejar styles, with robust sandstone walls seamlessly integrated into the natural rock formations. Its rectangular keep and fortified towers exemplify military architecture of the Reconquista period. The craftsmanship demonstrates ingenuity in adapting the rugged terrain, creating an imposing structure that embodies strength and harmony with its surroundings.

As the Tower of Joy in the TV series Game of Thrones, Castillo de Zafra’s imposing masonry plays a vital role. The castle’s defensive design mirrors the secrecy and tension surrounding the events revealed there to the main characters. Its robust construction and stark isolation reflect the weight of history and legacy central to the storyline. The castle’s timeless craftsmanship amplifies the dramatic impact, merging the fictional narrative with real-world architectural grandeur.

 

King’s Cross Station - Harry Potter movies
King’s Cross Station in London, completed in 1852, was designed by Lewis Cubitt as a marvel of Victorian Engineering. It served as a major railway hub during Britain’s Industrial Revolution. The station’s masonry showcases a blend of functionality and elegance, with its yellow brick facade and twin arched train sheds made of wrought iron and glass. Its brickwork and minimalist aesthetic marked a departure from ornate styles of the Victorian age and reflected industrial modernity.

The station’s masonry plays a subtle yet significant role in its depiction within the Harry Potter movies. Its enduring Victorian brickwork, with its clean lines and industrial elegance, provides a timeless and grounded backdrop for the magical events of the series. King’s Cross sturdy masonry contrasts with the whimsical nature of Platform 9 ¾ symbolizing the intersection of the mundane and the magical. The iconic brick wall that Harry and his friends pass through embodies this duality, turning a historical architectural feature into a gateway to another world. King’s Cross thus becomes a bridge between reality and fantasy in the wizarding world.

 

Stadium High School - 10 Things I Hate About You
Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington originally was designed as a luxury hotel in 1891 but due to financial crises from its investors, Northern Pacific Railroad Company and Tacoma Land Company, it was closed until it was purchased by the Tacoma School District. Its French Chateau inspired architecture, designed by Hewitt and Hewitt, features striking masonry with intricately detailed brickwork and Wilkeson sandstone accents. The turrets, arches, and ornamental detailing reflect the craftsmanship of the era, while the adaptive reuse of the structure showcases ingenuity. Today, Stadium High School remains an architectural icon.

Stadium High School’s dramatic masonry plays a pivotal role in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, enhancing its romantic and timeless atmosphere. The intricate brickwork, turrets and castle-like design evoke a sense of grandeur, aligning with the film’s Shakespearean roots as a modern adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. The school’s majestic facade and historical masonry provide a visually striking backdrop for key scenes. Its iconic architecture elevates the narrative, turning the building into more than a setting - an enduring symbol of high school life with a touch of cinematic magic.

 

Notre Dame Cathedral - Hunchback of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, constructed between 1163 and 1345 exemplifies Gothic architecture and medieval masonry. The cathedral showcases groundbreaking masonry techniques, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, allowing for soaring ceilings and expansive stained glass windows. The interior of the cathedral was crafted with Lutetian Limestone, the same used to construct the Palace of Versailles. Its facade is adorned with elaborate stone carvings, including gargoyles and biblical scenes. Notre Dame’s masonry is a testament to medieval craftsmanship, blending functionality with artistic grandeur.

In Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the cathedral’s masonry is central to the story’s themes and characters. The towering Gothic architecture serves as a sanctuary for Quasimodo, symbolizing both his isolation and protection. The flying buttresses, stone gargoyles, and intricate carvings mirror his outward deformities yet embody beauty and strength. Notre Dame’s resilient structure parallels Quasimodo’s inner fortitude and enduring human spirit. Additionally the cathedral’s imposing presence shapes the plot, acting as a silent witness to love, betrayal, and redemption. Hugo’s vivid descriptions of the masonry elevate Notre Dame from mere setting to a character within the narrative.

 


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