When the Church controlled European cultural life during the Middle Ages, Gothic architecture

flourished in Northern Europe between the mid-12th and 16th centuries. Its architecture was lavish and
complicated, with large structures, intricate designs, wide areas, and massive barriers. It has French
origins but may be spotted around Europe including on different continents. The term "Gothic"
Architecture was derived from Giorgio Vasari's critical critique of the style written in 1550 when the
form deteriorated. He referred to the architectural elements that characterized Gothic Architecture as
"barbarous German-style" and condemned "the Goths" for demolishing historic structures to replace it
with ones in this style.

The Gothic architectural style developed from the Romanesque style to incorporate more sophisticated
architectural constructions with detailed decoration, large interiors, soaring roofs, exterior flying
buttresses, tall towers, and pinnacles. The Gothic architectural style developed from the Romanesque
style to incorporate more sophisticated architectural constructions with detailed decoration, large
interiors, soaring roofs, exterior flying buttresses, tall towers, and pinnacles.

The Gothic style started in the Île-de-France region of Paris, corresponded with the development of the
French monarchy. It originated from the Romanesque style, which was characterized by vaulted ceilings,
smaller stained-glass windows, and numerous arches. By the size of windows raising and the scale of
arches, the Gothic style emphasized these qualities. On the other hand, building walls became thinner
and strengthened by flying buttresses, allowing architects to create structures that were closer to the
sky. The Basilica Church of Saint-Denis is often regarded as the earliest completely Gothic construction,
bridging the gap between Romanesque and Gothic architecture.