Gothic architecture. We love it. But what makes architecture ‘gothic’? In this article, we’ll dive into gothic architecture. For dummies :).
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.
It all starts with the desire for verticality and light
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.
Saint-Denis: were Gothic style saw the ligth
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.
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.
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.
Gothic style: built on the foundations of the Romanesque style
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:
- Ribbed vaults for additional support
- Buttresses and flying buttresses instead of solid walls
- Pointed arches instead of round arches
- Translucent walls with internal spaces, featuring stained glass, instead of thick walls
Ribbed vaults
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.
Flying buttress
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.
Translucent walls with stained glass windows
The system of buttresses and flying buttresses allowed walls to be thinner and less massive without compromising the structural integrity of the building. This innovation created space for large stained glass windows.
The Gothic period is distinguished by the remarkable use of stained glass, which was not only breathtakingly aesthetic with its vibrant colors and complex designs but also functional. These windows brought in an abundance of natural light, creating a celestial atmosphere that was essential for the spiritual experience of the faithful.
The iconography of the stained glass windows was equally significant; these windows often served as a ‘Bible for the laypeople.’ In an era when most parishioners were illiterate, these colorful windows narrated the stories of the Bible, the saints, and the teachings of the church. Each window provided a visual catechism, intended to educate and inspire the faithful through the depiction of both well-known and lesser-known Bible stories.
From the nave to the transept
A typical gothic church consists of various parts. 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.
The transept is the cross-shaped section of a cathedral that intersects the long nave. It often houses side altars.
Above the side aisle in a church building, a triforium can be seen (not always). 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.
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.
Some famous examples of Gothic cathedrals you'll have to see
It’s hard to choose from so many magnificent buildings. Some examples of Gothic cathedrals include Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis, Notre-Dame in Paris, Notre-Dame of Laon, Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, and Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury.
Construction of Gothic cathedrals came to a halt
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.
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.
