Top 10 Facts about Gothic Architecture (2024)

Gothic Architecture was introduced in the mid 12th century and the 16th century. It is a pan-European style that was mostly common in France. Initially the style was called Opus Francigenum which translates to ‘French Work’. The style is characterized by cavernous spaces and walls broken by overlaid tracery.

As the style grew common, there was need for the development of huge buildings. These were symbolized by vaulted ceilings, many arches, and smaller stained windows. Flying buttresses were used for support and to let in light. The Abbey of Saint-Denis was the first building that utilized the gothic architecture style. Here are the Top 10 Facts about Gothic Architecture.

1. Gothic style evolved from the Romanesque architecture

Romanesque architecture was characterized by arches, vaulted ceilings, and small stained glass windows. Gothic architecture adopted and adapted these Romanesque elements to produce a new style of building.

Gothic style is thereby characterized by exaggerated arches, increased vaulting, and enlarged windows. However, gothic architecture did away with thick walls which were common with the Romanesque architecture. To construct taller buildings with thinner walls, Gothic architects employed flying buttresses for support.

2. Gothic styles are characterized large stained windows

Large stained windows are common features in gothic cathedrals. This allowed them to let in more dazzling light. Gothic stained glass windows also frequently feature tracery. This is a decorative type of stone support, and detailed scenes from Biblical stories.

The windows are cut colored glass. There are two type. The kaleidoscopic windows which are typically either tall and arched ‘lancet’ windows or round. On the other hand, ‘rose’ windows are larger than those commonly found in other types of churches.

3. The style makes use of flying buttresses

Gothic architects made use of flying buttresses for structural support. These are projecting stone structures. They reinforced the buildings by redistributing the weight of the heavy roof to a lower, more solid level.

Flying buttresses provided the very much needed support. This ensured the cathedrals’ integrity. Therefore, the architects did not need to sacrifice the thin walls and large windows that were a common concept of the Gothic style.

4. Gothic style makes use of pointed arches

Ample archways can be found in most Gothic churches and cathedrals. They arches are however not wide and round as is common with Romanesque architecture. Pioneering architects of the Gothic style adapted the tall, thin pointed arches found in Islamic architecture.

This silhouette accentuated each cathedral’s height. It also symbolically pointed toward the sky being buildings in which human beings worshipped a higher being. It also Accommodated similarly-shaped vaulting.

5. For support gothic architecture utilized rib vaults

Architects utilized rib vaulting, a method of structural support. This was in order to incorporate higher ceilings and taller windows into their designs.

Rib vaulting involves the use of intersecting barrel vaults arches placed parallel to one another in order to support a rounded roof. This provides a very decorative aesthetic than traditional barrel vaults. They are also crisscrossed constructions to offer increased support for the sky-high buildings.

6. Sculpture was an important aspect of gothic architecture

Sculpture was an important element of Gothic architecture. Its intent was present the stories of the Bible in vivid and understandable fashion. This was important since majority of the faithful could not read.

Some of the earliest examples are found at Chartres Cathedral, where the three portals of the west front illustrate the three epiphanies in the Life of Christ. The sculptures were painted in bright colors.

7. The name gothic was coined by Giorgio Vasari

The word “Gothic” was used during the Renaissance as an insult to the ancient Goths. This were the Germanic-people documented to be living near Vistula river. An Italian writer named Giorgio Vasari used the word “Gothic” in the 1530s, because he thought buildings from the Middle Ages were not carefully planned like Renaissance buildings.

He said that, as the barbaric Goths had destroyed the classical world, so this “modern art” had destroyed the architecture of the twelfth century. Thereafter, many other people used the word “Gothic” to describe architecture with pointed arches.

8. Gothic architecture was mostly common with churches and cathedrals

Cathedrals and churches reflected the power of bishops and wealthy merchants. It also served to glorify God and spread Christianity. For these reasons, gothic architecture utilized structures that were higher than other buildings and easily visible from far distances.

The magnificence of the structures showed the power of kings and Christianity over people. The style was very symbolic of the greatness and glory of God. As the style became common, it gradually spread and was used in other buildings such as castles, palaces, bridges and city gates.

9. The first Gothic buildings were constructed in France

France was in an era of flourishing peace and stable commerce. Therefore, large amounts of resources were put toward the development of a new style that was supposed to usher in a change.

The change was evident in the growth of the Church and the grandeur associated with it. These buildings include Reims Cathedral and Chartres Cathedral. Higher ceilings, longer windows, stained glass, and long arches were used in these structures to fill their spaces with sunlight.

10. The style has declined over time

The style became increasingly popular as it spread from France to regions like England, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Innovations and variations were observed in Italy and Germany during the later Middle Ages.

Italians replaced the stone with brick and marble while Germans built large vaulted halls. As the style progressed eastwards, there was seen a consequent decline in its popularity. This decline was hand in hand with the rise of the Renaissance and a revival of the Classical styles. In this light, people viewed the Gothic style as outdated and progressed toward new ideas in the fifteenth century.

Diana C

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Diane C. has been captivated by the cultures and traditions of people across the globe ever since she went backpacking through East Africa for her 22nd birthday. The customs and cuisine she experienced in Zanzibar instilled in her a desire to travel more and explore. Diane loves writing about the traditions and cultures of different countries and analysing the various laws and customs. When she is not on the move or immersed in a good book, she enjoys savouring a cup of masala tea. Diane is currently a trainee lawyer.