GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

Gothic architecture is a European style of

architecture that values height and exhibits
an intricate and delicate aesthetic. Though
its roots are French, the Gothic approach can
be found in churches, cathedrals, and other
similar buildings in Europe and beyond.

The Gothic style evolved from Romanesque

architecture, a medieval aesthetic
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 that featured exaggerated arches, increased vaulting, and enlarged windows. In addition
to reinterpreting these characteristics, however, Gothic architecture also abandoned one key
feature of Romanesque architecture: thick walls. To construct taller, more delicate buildings with
thinner walls, Gothic architects employed flying buttresses for support. These stone structures
allowed architects to create sky-high cathedrals and churches that evoked ethereality and reached
toward the heavens.

Classic Elements
While the Gothic style can vary according to location, age, and type of building, it is often
characterized by 5 key architectural elements: large stained glass windows, pointed arches,
ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.

LARGE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

While stained glass windows are found in many places of worship, they are particularly
prevalent in Gothic cathedrals. Featuring meticulously cut colored glass, these kaleidoscopic
windows—which are typically either tall and arched ‘lancet’ windows or round ‘rose’
windows—are larger than those found in other types of churches. This allowed them to let in
more dazzling light.

POINTED ARCHES

A primary feature of many religious structures, ample archways can be found in most Gothic
churches and cathedrals. Rather than the wide, rounded arches characteristic of Romanesque
buildings, however, architects working in the Gothic style adapted the tall, thin pointed arches
found in Islamic architecture.
RIBBED VAULTS

In order to incorporate higher ceilings and taller windows into their designs, Gothic architects
utilized a new method of structural support called ribbed vaulting. Ribbed vaulting involves the
use of intersecting barrel vaults—arches placed parallel to one another in order to support a
rounded roof.

FLYING BUTTRESSES

On top of these advanced vaulting techniques, Gothic architects employed another unique
method of structural support: flying buttresses. These projecting stone structures reinforced the
buildings by redistributing the weight of the heavy roof to a lower, more solid level. Flying
buttresses ensured the cathedrals’ integrity so that architects did not need to sacrifice the thin
walls and large windows distinctive of the Gothic style.

ORNATE DECORATION

A final feature found in Gothic architecture is the presence of ornate decorative elements. These
include embellished colonnades and colonettes, sculptural moldings, statues of saints and
historical figures, pinnacles and spires, and gargoyles, grotesque figures that double as water
spouts.

Notable Buildings Built in the Gothic Style

Gothic buildings can be found in cities all over France and across Europe. Notable sites in
France are Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, and Reims Cathedral.