Voor- en bovenaanzicht van de Bisschoppelijke Grafkapel te Roermond 1857 - 1859

This sketch by Pierre Cuypers captures the architectural plans for the Bishop's Chapel in Roermond. Observe the prominence of the circular layout, a shape resonating with profound symbolism. The circle, since antiquity, represents eternity, perfection, and the divine. In religious architecture, it transcends mere geometry, becoming a powerful emblem of unity and wholeness. Consider the Pantheon in Rome, or the many Renaissance churches, where the circular dome invites the eye—and soul—upward, towards celestial realms. This architectural choice speaks to our collective unconscious. The circle, a universal symbol, touches something deep within us, reminding us of cycles, continuity, and the eternal nature of faith. It is not just a design; it is a visual echo that resonates across time and cultures, engaging us on a profound, subconscious level. It’s a symbol that, like memory itself, is never truly lost, but perpetually resurfaces, evolves, and finds new expression.