FAQ: Gothic Architecture
In the articles on LUX, you’ll likely encounter terms that are less familiar, terminology you don’t use often. Because let’s be honest: who talks about flying buttresses or pinnacles on a daily basis? This FAQ guides you through the forest of terms related to Gothic architecture and cathedrals in particular.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gothic Architecture
What is Gothic architecture?
Gothic architecture is a style of medieval architecture that is prominent in churches and cathedrals. Gothic cathedrals have distinctive elements such as
- pointed arches,
- flying buttresses,
- ribbed vaults,
- and tall windows with stained glass.
The style originated in the 12th century and reached its peak in the 13th to early 16th centuries.
The Birthplace of Gothic Architecture is in Paris
Not the Notre-Dame of Paris is the Birthplace of Gothic Architecture, but the cathedral of Saint-Denis, build by abbot Suger.
What are key features of Gothic cathedrals?
The main characteristics of Gothic architecture are the “desire for verticality” and “light.” This light was brought in through tall windows and large rose windows. Buildings became taller and appeared narrower as a result.
Due to the great height of the churches and cathedrals, the walls on the outside of the building had to be reinforced with buttresses to withstand the forces caused by the heavy masonry vaults. The technique of flying buttresses was especially used in French and Spanish churches; these arches connect the buttress to the exterior wall. The barrel vault and groin vault were replaced by the ribbed vault, where the ribs became the load-bearing elements.
Why Saint-Denis Cathedral is a Feast of Light
Saint-Denis Cathedral: often seen as one of the most important buildings in the history of Gothic architecture. Inside, it’s a feast of light.
How is Gothic style different from earlier styles?
The Romanesque architecture is characterized by semicircular arches. These arches can be seen above doors, windows, and portals. In load-bearing arches, the semicircular arches directly transfer the weight of the vault onto the walls, resulting in thicker walls and often small window openings. That’s why the interiors of Romanesque structures are usually quite dark.
Gothic architecture differs from Romanesque architecture in four key aspects:
- Pointed arches instead of round arches
- Ribbed vaults for additional support
- Buttresses and flying buttresses instead of solid walls
- Translucent walls with internal spaces, featuring stained glass, instead of thick walls
Where did Gothic style originate?
The Gothic style originated in the Île-de-France region, near Paris, France, in the 12th century. The Basilica of Saint-Denis is considered an early representation of Gothic architecture. Saint-Denis pioneered key architectural features that defined Gothic cathedrals, including ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and the innovative use of flying buttresses. These elements combined to achieve what had previously been considered impossible: soaring heights and expansive, light interiors.
For a long time, Gothic was believed to be something Germanic. The term Gothic was first mentioned in 1550 when Giorgio Vasari referred to it as the “Stile Gotico.” He found the pointed arches and vaulted ceilings “monstrous and barbaric.” His derogatory term referred to the Goths, northern European invaders who plundered Rome in the 5th century and tainted its classical past. Later, during the Romantic era, interest in Gothic revival resurfaced. This led, among other things, to the completion of the unfinished Cologne Cathedral.
What is a ribbed vault in Gothic architecture?
A ribbed vault is a vault in which ribs intersect and form a pattern. These ribs support the vault and distribute the weight. It is a distinctive element of Gothic architecture.
It was discovered that if ribs (a rib is an extra strip of stone) were used to reinforce vaults then the wall between the ribs could be made much thinner than without ribs. This meant that ceilings and walls could become much thinner. Ribbed vaults replaced the solid stone ceilings of the Romanesque era. These vaults allowed cathedrals to reach unprecedented heights while reducing the need for thick supporting walls.
What is the purpose of flying buttresses in Gothic architecture?
The flying buttress is a specific form of buttress composed of an arch that extends from the upper portion of a wall to a pier of great mass. They convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards. These forces arise from vaulted ceilings of stone and from wind-loading on roofs.
Flying buttresses in Gothic architecture serve both a structural and aesthetic purpose. Not alone, they distribute the weight of the vaults, but they also add visual grandeur to the design. Read more in this article.
The Flying Buttress: Heroes of Gothic Cathedral Construction
The evolution of the flying buttress showcases the innovation and creativity of architectural during the Middle Ages. The flying buttress became the trademark of gothic architecture.
Why were stained glass windows used in Gothic cathedrals?
Stained glass windows were used to illuminate the interior with a mystical colored light and to depict biblical stories for the often illiterate population.
What is meant by the transept in a cathedral?
The transept is the cross-shaped section of a cathedral that intersects the long nave. It often houses side altars.
What is meant by the nave in Gothic architecture?
The nave is the central and often elongated section of a church between the main entrance and the choir. It is where the congregation gathers.
What is the triforium?
A triforium is an arcade above the side aisle in a church building. It is located between the gallery and the clerestory in the nave, separating the nave from the side aisle. It is usually an open arcade with a walkway behind it. When the arcade consists of blind arches, it is called a pseudotriforium. This is often seen as a decorative element in neogothic church architecture.
The triforium has its origins in the basilica of classical antiquity, where it was used for trade and discussions. In early Christian basilicas, the triforium was reserved for women.
Triforium: 7 Facts About This Hidden Cathedral Gallery
The triforium is one of the most overlooked yet fascinating elements of Gothic cathedrals. In this article, we uncover 7 surprising facts about the triforium.
The Utrecht Dom Church: Secrets of the Attic
The Triforium and the attic of the Utrecht Domchurch: once inaccessible and remained shrouded in mystery can now be explored.
What are some famous examples of Gothic cathedrals?
It’s hard to choose from so many magnificent buildings. Some examples of Gothic cathedrals include
- Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon
- Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
- Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens
- Kölner Dom, Cologne
- Canterbury Cathedral
- York Minster
- Rochester Cathedral
- Kathedraal Onze-lieve-vrouwe Antwerpen
- Kathedraal Sint-Jan, Den Bosch
- Domkerk, Utrecht (not a cathedral anymore, but built as a cathedral)
What caused the construction of Gothic cathedrals to come to an end?
As we delve into the literature, we find three main reasons behind the cessation of Gothic cathedral construction in France:
- Practical: constructing a Gothic cathedral is complex
- Economic & political: Depleted finances
- Cultural: Shifting powers from the Church to the individual
3x Why Gothic Cathedral Construction Came to a Halt
Why came the construction of Gothic cathedrals in France suddenly to a surprising halt in the 14th century? We found three main reasons.
What was the influence of Gothic architecture on later styles?
Gothic architecture influenced later styles with its emphasis on verticality and lightness, which can be seen in the Gothic revival movement and later neo-Gothic styles. A well known example of a Neo-Gothic style cathedral is St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and the Truro Cathedral (Cornwall, UK).
What is a cathedral?
A cathedral is a church where a bishop has their seat. The word comes from the Latin ‘ecclesia cathedralis,’ which means ‘church of the seat.’ This makes it the most important church in every diocese. You can tell by its grand construction and decorations.
Sometimes, a cathedral has the status of a basilica, making it a ‘cathedral basilica.’ Some grand ‘cathedral-like’ churches were initially built as cathedrals (with all their grandeur) but were later transformed into ‘ordinary’ churches when the bishop’s seat relocated. Think of the Dom Church which became Protestant in 1581.
What's the difference between a church and a cathedral?
All cathedrals are churches, but not all churches are cathedrals. A cathedral is a church where a diocesan bishop has their seat. The word ‘cathedral’ started being used in the Middle Ages to refer to a bishop’s church. In ancient times, it was called a basilica because almost every basilica had a ‘cathedra.’ See also ‘What is a basilica?’
What is the meaning of 'Dom'?
In some countries, the word ‘dom’ is used for a cathedral (like the Dom Church in Utrecht or the ‘Kölner Dom‘ in Cologne). ‘Dom’ comes from the French ‘Dome,’ which is derived from the Latin ‘Domus,’ meaning ‘house of God.’ The abbreviation of ‘D.O.M. stands for ‘Deo Optimo Maximo’, which translates to “Dedicated to the Best and Greatest God.”
What is a basilica?
‘Basilica’ comes from the Latin ‘basilica,’ which initially meant ‘royal dwelling.’ It’s derived from the Greek ‘basilikos,’ meaning ‘royal.’ Later on, the term ‘basilica’ was applied by the ancient Romans to refer to a ‘large, public hall.’ A basilica is, therefore, a building form from classical antiquity, further developed in Romanesque and Gothic church architecture.
The basilica as a church building emerged when the Christian religion was legalized by Roman rulers (in 313). Modeled after both Greek-Roman houses and public market halls, early Christian church architecture, called ‘basilica construction,’ developed. A basilica had the form of an elongated, three- or multi-aisled building with columns. Other characteristics included the visible beam construction or coffered ceiling and the semicircular apse as the rear part. In the apse stood the cathedra (bishop’s seat) with stone benches for the priests (presbytery).
In the Romanesque and Gothic periods, churches were vaulted, supported by pillars and piers. A transept was also added, giving basilical churches a cross-shaped form (cross basilica). Most European churches are basilical buildings. Here, ‘basilical’ means elongated. In the Byzantine world (including Russia), churches are typically centralized (central building).
In the Roman Catholic Church, ‘basilica’ is an honorary title unrelated to architectural form. It’s a title the Pope can grant to a church. This might be because of an important relic or because it’s a significant pilgrimage site. There are four major basilicas (basilica maior), each with a papal throne. Additionally, there are papal and pontifical basilicas.
All these churches have a special relationship with the papacy. The largest group (around 1500 worldwide) consists of minor basilicas. To become a basilica, a church must meet specific criteria. The most important ones are age, exceptional beauty, status as a pilgrimage site, and strong devotion to one or more saints.
The basilica as a church building emerged when the Christian religion was legalized by Roman rulers (in 313). Modeled after both Greek-Roman houses and public market halls, early Christian church architecture, called ‘basilica construction,’ developed. A basilica had the form of an elongated, three- or multi-aisled building with columns. Other characteristics included the visible beam construction or coffered ceiling and the semicircular apse as the rear part. In the apse stood the cathedra (bishop’s seat) with stone benches for the priests (presbytery).
What is an abbey?
An abbey (like Vauclair Abbey) is the collection of buildings belonging to a contemplative Christian monastic order, consisting of monks or nuns. It’s led by an “abbot” (from Latin/Aramaic “father”) or Mother Superior. Non-contemplative orders (like the Jesuits or Franciscans) have monasteries but not abbeys. Abbey buildings often include a monastery and an abbey church. The most famous is probably the Mont Saint Michel (France), where millions of visitors come every year. Book your ticket in advance, and avoid the crowds by going early on the day (9:00) or in the late afternoon.
What is an abbey church?
An abbey church is part of an abbey.
What is a monastery?
A monastery is a building (often a square inner courtyard surrounded by a cloister) or a complex of buildings that house a group or community of men or women who have withdrawn from the world to lead a religious life. A monastery can also exist independently of an abbey, typically under the leadership of a prior or superior. A monastery under an abbot is called an abbey.
What is a chapel?
A chapel is either a small church of modest size or a self-contained place of worship within a larger church. Especially in the Middle Ages, masses could be held in various chapels within a church.
Used sources: I use a lot of resources, primarely books and the Internet. For a list of books, check this page with my top-10!
Sign up for free!
Sign up for LuxLetters – the monthly newsletter that keeps you updated on new content at churchheritage.eu.
By subscribing, you sign up for our monthly newsletter for free, featuring the latest LUX content and travel tips, and you agree to our privacy statement.
