Gothic architecture

Style of architecture that flourished in Europe from the mid-12th century to the end of the 15th century. It is characterized by the vertical lines of tall pillars and spires, greater height in interior spaces, the pointed arch, rib vaulting, and the flying buttress.

Gothic architecture originated in Normandy and Burgundy in the 12th century. It was essentially the style of the Catholic countries of Europe, including Hungary and Poland, and attained its highest excellence in France and England. It developed forms on a regional basis, often of great complexity and beauty, and was used for non-religious buildings as well as for cathedrals, churches, and monasteries. The style was common in Western Europe until the 16th century when classic architecture was revived.

France
Gothic architecture in France may be divided into four periods: Early Gothic, lancet Gothic, Rayonnet Gothic, and Late, or Flamboyant, Gothic.

Early Gothic (1130–90) saw the introduction of ogival (pointed) vaults, for example Notre Dame, Paris (begun 1160). In lancet Gothic (1190–1240) pointed arches were tall and narrow, as in Chartres Cathedral (begun 1194), and Bourges Cathedral (begun 1209). Rayonnant Gothic (1240–1350) takes its name from the series of chapels that branch out from the cathedral apse, as in Sainte Chapelle, Paris (1226–30). Late Gothic or the Flamboyant style (1350–1520) is exemplified in St Gervais, Paris.

Italy
The Gothic architecture of Italy had a classical basis, characterized by vast spans with simple arches on a basilican plan. A notable example of Italian Gothic is Milan Cathedral.

Germany
In Germany, the Gothic style until the end of the 13th century was at first heavily influenced by that of France; for example Cologne Cathedral, the largest in northern Europe, was built after the model of Amiens. Many churches were built of brick, not of stone.

England
Gothic architecture in England is divided into three styles: Early English (1200–75), for example Salisbury Cathedral; Decorated (1300–75), for example York Minster; and Perpendicular (1400–1575), for example Winchester Cathedral.