When we think of Gothic architecture, we normally imagine structures such as largely cathedrals, vast castles, and immense churches. For the most part we quite correct. All are features of Gothic architecture, which emerged in France at around the twelfth century. Soon Gothic architecture spread and by the 16th century, it had pervaded all throughout Europe, particularly Western Europe.
The Gothic style reflects the third powerful force of architecture during the Middle Ages - this time in Europe. As you can predict, the majority of Gothic architecture has a base in religion, being that it is a medieval style. For four hundred years, massive churches, castles and cathedrals were built to represent strength or power - either in the lord of the manor or in the Catholic Church. Nevertheless it a common feature among European medieval structures. In addition, many of these structures were tall and wide. To understand the logic in this, you may need a little knowledge in Global History:
Under the Roman Empire, a strong central government protected its people and the land with a strong military. However, by 476 AD, at the fall of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes had invaded and captured what was left of it. These tribes were not unified and often quarreled with each other making roads very dangerous to travel. Halted trade and cultural diffusion, but most importantly a decline in cultural progress marked the beginning of the Middle Ages. With people afraid to travel, they remained in one area and paved the way for the manorial system - the basis of Medieval and feudal society. People were now in one area - they weren't necessarily safe. Therefore, lords (powerful men with money) offered their land to workers. Workers would produce crops on the land, while the lord gave the worker (also called peasant) protection with his knights. This was one manor. To protect manors from each other, they built large, strong castles. Thus, we see how Gothic Architecture came about and what role it played in society.
Other features of Gothic Architecture include large stained glass windows that colorfully illuminate the interior. This is common in cathedrals as light illuminated the religious images and religious scenes in each window. Light may have been used in Gothic cathedrals to evoke a spiritual feeling or other symbolic feeling. A last interior feature is wide use of tapestry that highly decorated Gothic structures.
Gothic architecture employed interesting features from within, but features on the exterior are just as interesting. First, many cathedrals and churches tend to resemble the basilica style as employed in the Hagia Sophia of the Byzantine Empire. Second, the use of flying buttresses helped to reduce stress on walls. This may be compared to the arch of Ancient Rome. After centuries of improvement and advancement, we see that the principles from that of the arch have been applied in different forms throughout other civilizations. Third, under the "reign" of Gothic architecture in Europe, addendums came into use - particularly sculptured gargoyles. Gargoyles are a characteristic of Gothic Architecture because its popularity reached a peak in the Gothic era. Gargoyles often appear in the form of gnarling beasts or terrifying spirits - probably to instill fear.
| Notre Dame Cathedral | Chartres Cathedral |
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| This cathedral is in Paris, France. It is an outstanding and famous example of Gothic architecture. | This cathedral in Chartres, France was built during the 12th and 13th centuries. It stands 375 feet x 350 feet. |
One other famous Gothic work is the German Church of Cologne in Cologne Germany, built during the 13th century.
Gothic revival was a return to Gothic architectural building styles during the 18th and 19th centuries. Primarily Gothic revival gained popularity in England and the United States. It did, however, begin in Europe. One example of Gothic revival in the United States is St. Patrick's Cathedral, built by James Renwick, who rose as a Gothic revival architect during the 1840's.
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York. It was built from 1858 to 1879 under the design of James Renwick.