Gothic Architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture which existed primarily during the late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and then was succeeded by the Renaissance style of architecture. Originated in 12th century France and lasted until the 16th century. Its features include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress (arched exterior supports). Gothic was a term that was used to describe culture that was considered rude and barbaric. Many of the churches were designed to show the might of god, the might of the foundation with which they were with, and leave a powerful impression on the people.
A ribbed vault is when two or three barrel vaults (the arches that are seen inside a building) intersect.
Picture - Interior of Coutances Cathedral
Another feature of Gothic Architecture are the vast number of windows and size of the windows.
Picture - Interior of Sainte Chapelle
Picture - Interior of Sainte Chapelle
Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris ('Our Lady of Paris' in French) is a Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in Paris, France. It contains the official chair of the Archbishop of Paris, André Cardinal Vingt-Trois. Overall the construction of Notre Dame lasted from 1163 to 1345.
Notre Dame de Paris was one of the first buildings to use the flying buttress. The building was not originally designed to include the flying buttresses, but after the thinner walls grew higher, fractures began to occur. Supports were built around the outside walls and later additions added to the pattern.
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Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral seats the Bishop of Exeter in South West England. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter, from around 1050. The construction of this cathedral was completed around 1400. It has the longest interrupted vaulted ceiling in England.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Saint Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague (the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic). The church seats the Archbishop of Prague. It is known to be one of the largest and most important churches in the Czech Republic. The cathedral was founded on 21st of November, 1344 when the Prague bishopric became an archbishopric. The first architect was a frenchman by the name of Matthias of Arras; however, he didn't live long enough to see the cathedral finished. After Matthias died, a 23-year old architect by the name of Peter Parler took over. He followed Matthias's plans for the most part, adding double diagnal ribs above the choir in the cathedral as his own twist.
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany which seats the Archbishop of Cologne. Dedicated to Saint Peter and the Virgin Mary, the cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete (beginning August 15, 1248). Ranging from 144.5 meters long to 86.5 meters wide, with the two towers around the height of 157 meters, the cathedral is the largest Gothic style church in Northern Europe along with being of the largest churches in the world.
