The artistic Romanesque style that prevailed in Western Europe until the 12th century was replaced by a more mature art form - Gothic. The name of the style, having an Italian origin, was translated as "something barbaric, unusual."
A brief description of the Gothic style in architecture
Gothic architecture has its own specific characteristics, which can be expressed in three words: city, carnival, chivalry. Narrow streets ended up in cathedrals, blue windows and draperies appeared in wide windows. The main colors of this style are blue, yellow and red. Gothic style is characterized by lancet lines, arches formed from two intersecting arcs and ribbed repeating lines. In the plan, all buildings have acquired a rectangular shape. They were decorated with lancet arches turning into pillars. The stone structures became frame, openwork, they seemed to specifically emphasize the skeleton of the structure. The windows stretched up were decorated with multi-colored stained-glass windows, and the top of the building was often decorated with small decorative round windows. The lancet arches of the doorways had a ribbed structure, and the doors themselves were made of oak. Gothic architecture was read even in interior elements: high halls were built long and narrow. If they were wide, then in the center a row of columns would certainly be built, wall panels made of wood, a coffered ceiling or fan arches with supports. All this is gothic.
Gothic cathedrals of Europe
Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages is, first of all, temples, churches, cathedrals and monasteries, because Gothic art itself was very religious in theme and appealed to eternity and higher divine powers. In order to feel the grandeur of these buildings, consider some of the most prominent representatives of Gothic art, the most famous European cathedrals.
The heart of Vienna. Austria. St. Stephen's Cathedral
Built on the ruins of two churches, he survived many wars and today is a symbol of freedom for all citizens.
Cathedral of Burgos. Spain
The medieval cathedral, built in honor of the Virgin Mary, is famous for its truly gigantic dimensions and unique architecture.
France. Reims. Reims Cathedral
It was here that all French monarchs were officially crowned.
Italy. Milan. Milan Cathedral
This is an unrealistically large and extremely complex Gothic cathedral. It is located in the main square of Milan and is one of the most famous architectural creations in Europe. Gothic architecture in the Cathedral of Milan strikes the imagination of even the most severe skeptic with its unreal beauty and splendor.
Spain. Seville Seville Cathedral
At the time of construction was the largest in the world. Built on the site of the greatness of the Almohad mosque, it retained the columns and some of its elements, and the famous Giralda tower, which once served as a minaret, decorated with ornaments and rich patterns, was transformed into a bell tower.
England. York York cathedral
The construction of the building was started in 1230 and completed in 1472, so the Gothic architecture of this cathedral includes all stages of its development. York Cathedral is considered one of the two largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals along with the cathedral in Cologne (Germany) in Europe. It is famous for its beautiful window stained-glass windows.
France. Paris. Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame de Paris is perhaps the most famous French Gothic cathedral with its characteristic style of architecture, sculptures and stained glass windows. On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte himself was crowned on its imperial throne.
Germany. Koln. Cologne Cathedral
The construction of the cathedral took more than 600 years. The height of this truly gigantic structure is 157.4 meters. For many centuries, it has been a symbol of the city and the main church of the archbishopric of Cologne.
Italy. Florence. Santa Maria del Fiore
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Florence, its external walls are lined with marble panels of different colors: white, pink, green. But most of all, the huge brick dome is striking in its size.
France. Chartres. Chartres Cathedral
The French Gothic architecture in this cathedral has been preserved almost perfectly; most of its original stained glass windows have remained almost untouched since the beginning of the 13th century.