What Is Gothic Architecture?

Well-known for its pointed arches, flying buttresses, and large, stained glass windows, Gothic architecture is a European architectural type that originated in the mid-12th century and remained popular until the 16th century. Often employed for churches, cathedrals, and other massive stone buildings, Gothic architecture became extremely popular across its origin country of France, as well as the rest of Europe and the world.

Although the type of Gothic architecture that was used to construct a building is based on the building's age, location, and building type (for example, a church), all Gothic structures share five key elements: stained glass windows, pointed arches, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and highly ornate decoration.

It's rare to find a personal dwelling built in the Gothic style—although, they definitely do exist—but Gothic architecture essentially defined European construction and decoration for four centuries. Read on to learn more about gothic architecture, including its history, must-have architectural elements, and where to find concentrations of gothic architecture.

The History of Gothic Architecture

As previously mentioned, Gothic architecture originated in France—where it was originally called "Opus Francigenum," or "French Work." Beginning in the mid-12th century, advancements in structural engineering enabled French builders to create massive structures. Some of the key elements of Gothic architecture—like large, stained glass windows and vaulted arches—allowed ample natural light into the structures, despite their massive size and height. This style dominated European architecture—especially structures built by the Roman Catholic church—until the 16th century, when it became known as Gothic architecture.

Over time, Gothic architecture evolved through phases:

1. The Early Gothic years commenced around 1135-1144 with the rebuilding of the Basilica of Saint Denis outside Paris. Abbot Suger pioneered the use of soaring vertical lines, pointed arches, and stained glass windows.
2. The High Gothic years, which lasted from 1200 to 1300 and was first introduced by Chartres Cathedral in France. This time period was defined by Rayonnant style, or highly ornate decorations on the buildings' exterior. Germany, Spain, and Britain created their own variations of Rayonnant Gothic architecture over the next several decades.
3. The Late Gothic years, which lasted from the 15th to 16th centuries. During this time, Germany produced massively tall churches with vaulted ceilings. British Perpendicular Gothic architecture (identified by a focus on vertical lines) and French Flamboyant style (extremely elaborate exterior decoration) were popular during this time as well.

Although Gothic architecture has many Romanesque characteristics, Gothic builders abandoned the very thick, solid walls produced by the Romans. Why? In order to build extremely tall structures, walls had to be thinner and weigh less. What's more, Gothic-era builders used flying buttresses—or inclined beams that support the weight of a structure—in order to build structures that appeared to touch the sky.

It's rare to find new construction built in the Gothic style, but a European vacation—or a trip to New York City, Washington D.C., and other major cities in the United States—can provide an excellent tour of this architectural style's history, as well as Gothic Revival.

Must-Have Elements of Gothic Architecture

As previously mentioned, the type of Gothic architecture used to produce a building depends on the structure's age, location, and usage. However, all Gothic buildings share these distinguishing characteristics:

Stained glass windows

It's common to find stained glass windows in places of worship, but they're extremely prevalent in Gothic churches and cathedrals. The windows are usually very tall and arched, or round, and were intended to let in as much natural light as possible. You'll often find tracery, a decorative, stone support, as well as biblical scenes in Gothic stained glass windows.

Pointed arches

Rather than using round, Romanesque arches, Gothic builders built tall, thin, pointed arches. Inspired by Islamic architectural styles, Gothic pointed arches accentuated ceiling heights, accommodated vaulted ceilings, and symbolically pointed towards the heavens. You'll also find these types of arches in Islamic architecture.

Ribbed vaults

In order to build extremely tall structures with tall windows, Gothic architects began to use ribbed vaults—or arched vaults placed parallel to each other to support a rounded roof—rather than traditional vaulted beams. Not only did these intersecting vaults create visual interest, but also they offered more support to tall Gothic structures.

Flying buttresses

Flying buttresses were another Gothic-era advancement that helped support tall, heavy Gothic buildings. Flying buttresses are shaped like half of an arch and offer support by redistributing weight from a higher, heavy level, to a lower, more solid level.

Decorative elements

Gothic architecture is characterized by extremely ornate exterior decoration. Embellished columns, moldings, statues, pinnacles, spires, and gargoyles that spout water are commonly found in Gothic architecture.

Where to Find Gothic Architecture

Personal homes are rarely built in the Gothic style, but visits to some of the world's major cities can offer a glimpse into some of the oldest—and most elaborate—architecture in the world. Gothic architecture originated in France and then spread across Europe, where you'll find it used most widely. In addition to France, you can also find Gothic architecture in Great Britain, Spain, and Germany.

Examples of Gothic Architecture

Here are some famous Gothic structures from around the globe:

Westminster Abbey

This royal church in London, England, originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in its present form in the 13th, is also a World Heritage Site.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The famous cathedral in Paris, France is considered a symbol of the French nation. It was built in 1163.

Duomo di Milano

Milan's Duomo began construction in 1386 and is Italy's largest church.

Cathedral of Barcelona

This Spanish cathedral was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Established in Vienna, Austria in 1137, St. Stephen's Cathedral is the tallest church in Austria and the seat of the Archbishop of Austria.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Set on 5th Avenue in New York City, St. Patrick's Cathedral was constructed in 1858 and is a Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic church.

Washington National Cathedral

This D.C. landmark was built in 1907 and is the sixth largest church in the world.

The Tribune Tower

Chicago, Illinois's Tribune Tower is a 463-foot-tall skyscraper built between 1923 and 1925.

Trinity Church

Manhattan's Trinity Church was built in 1696 and is the burial spot of Alexander Hamilton.

Cathedral of Learning

Built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1926, the Cathedral of Learning is a 42-story skyscraper on the University of Pittsburgh's main campus