RED: THE STARRY SEPT
I didn't detailed it very much as to keep it open for other proposals. I although shaped it a bit like the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, as I like its dome (it is older-looking compared to other septs in Westeroscraft, that tend to be gothic).
The general shape of the Starry Sept is based on the Holy Selpuchre dome.
ORANGE: OTHER ROOMS
I didn't specified the use of these spaces, as to keep it open to interpretation and future needs. The west body acts at a secondary façade to the sept, facing the river and the port. Located atop a terrace and with a square on front, it would allow outsiders to peak at the black walls of the core of the complex, as well as give a beautiful profile from the Hightower and the other side of the city. The north body is distributed around a courtyard, and may house oficines, rooms and the Spet's archives. It doesn't have a main entrance, as this space is more private.
The West wing (top) likely has a basilica floorplan, like this church in Milan. The north cloister (bottom) follows a tradition of exempt courtyards found in many cathedrals around Europe, like the the one in the photo (Oviedo).
DEEP BLUE: HIGH SEPTON'S PALACE
When Oldtown and the Starry Sept were the center of the Faith, the High Septon had his residence here. It extends parallel to the southern stairs, creating an imposing and magnificent view. Its big size is justified by the power and the time the High Septon of Oldtown controled religion in all Westeros. His influence was likely as high as the Pope or some archbishops. Right now it is the residence of the Septon of the city, as well as many administration officials. An opulent building, it is divided between the main wing, facing the square, and a courtyard. It's very likely that more humble and bigot High Septons refused to live on this buiding, choosing other stays in the complex (like the neighboring septry).
The High Septon's palace houses now more uses than when it was the residence of the maximun authority of the Faith, as such a big space is not needed. Administration and other bureaucratic offices are found here. Still, its grandiose façade rivals only with the one of the Starry Sept. The building conforms to the sloped terrain in a similar manner that the one at the top right, in the Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela.
PURPLE/GREEN: SEPTRY AND MOTHERHOUSE
This buidings do not form part of the Starry Sept, but they are very strongly linked to the history of the building. Most likely they were established when the Sept was smaller, in order to be as close to the center of the Faith as possible. With time the Sept complex grew, colliding with these complexes. It is not specified which one is male and female. They both have their own septs and are built around courtyards.
These monastic complexes grew at the same time as the Starry Sept, eventually joining to the building. A similar evolution can be seen on Oviedo's Cathedral and Monasterio de San Pelayo, a female monastery that was established near the cathedral due to its holiness, and ended up been absorbed by the temple.
YELLOW SOLID CIRCLE: ADJACENT SEPT
This sept, that is housed on the corner of the northern courtyard, most likely was built as an independent buiding. In similar fashion to the septry and the motherhouse, ended up been eaten by the Starry Sept. It is very ornate, as it's often chosen by the nobility and other important residents of Oldtown to celebrate important events. I see it as a smaller and more "commoner" Starry sept, for joyfull festivities. Alternatively, it could have been built by some Targaryen King that wanted to thank the Faith for something, or to gain the people's favor.
I imagine this building sandwiched between the surrounding buidings and streets, like the one in GoT (not as big thought).
YELLOW HOLLOW CIRCLES: SEPTRY/MOTHERHOUSE'S SEPTS
Each monastic complex has its own sept. They are public, serving both the brothers/septas and the people of the city. This is directly inspired on the mendicant orders.
In this three images the highlighted building serves as a public and private temple (top image Monasterio de San Pelayo, Oviedo).
LIGTH BLUE: ORIGINAL STARRY SEPT
Buildings with a long history tend to leave behind some remains of the old structures. Undoubtedly any version of the Starry Sept that ends up bein built won't depict the original Starry Sept. Thousands of years have past since then. But it's very likely that some of the previous versions of the construction are still standing, somewhere inside the walls of the complex. Inspired by some medieval cathedrals, I decided to put a smaller, older version of the sept embbeded on the southern wall of the West wing.
The old temple was preserved, and the new built atop. Old Cathedral, Oviedo (left), Old Cathedral, Salamanca (right).
