

Background Towns, states and countries Īt the end of the 12th century, Western Europe was divided into different states. After Vasari, many other people used the word "Gothic" to describe architecture with pointed arches. He said that, as the barbaric Goths had destroyed the classical world, so this "modern art" had destroyed the architecture of the twelfth century.

The word " Gothic" was used later during the Renaissance as an insult, relating to the uncivilized ancient Goths, Germanic-people documented living near lower Vistula river.Īn Italian writer named Giorgio Vasari used the word "Gothic" in the 1530s, because he thought buildings from the Middle Ages were not carefully planned and measured like Renaissance buildings or the buildings of ancient Rome. Gothic architecture was at first called "the French Style" ( Opus Francigenum).

This style is called Gothic Revival architecture.Ībout the word "Gothic" In the 19th century, the Gothic style became popular again, particularly for building churches and universities. Many are listed with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Heritage Sites. Even the smallest Gothic churches are often beautiful, while many of the larger Gothic churches and cathedrals are thought to be priceless works of art. Many church buildings still remain from this time. It is also found in some town halls, universities, and some houses. It is also the architecture of many castles, and palaces. Many of the great cathedrals, abbeys and churches of Europe are Gothic architecture.
#Middle ages architecture windows#
Other important features are the ribbed vault, flying buttress, and windows with patterns of stone lace called tracery. This is the main difference from Romanesque architecture which had rounded arches. The single most characteristic feature of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch. The architecture spread across Europe and lasted until the 16th century when Renaissance architecture became popular. Gothic architecture grew out of Romanesque architecture, in France in the 12th century. Gothic architecture was a way of planning and designing buildings that began in Western Europe in the Late Middle Ages. Gothic cathedrals are important examples of gothic architecture. The inside of Cologne Cathedral, which is one of the largest cathedrals built in Gothic style in the world.
