Gothic Architecture

 Gothic Architecture

Cathedrals and abbeys were designed to be landmark structures, rising high above the rest of the town's structures. Gothic architecture was also used in castles and palaces, as well as government buildings and universities. At the time, Italy was building classical structures and saw European structures as garish and showy.

Most European cathedrals, abbeys, and parish churches constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries have intricate, almost gaudy structures with peaks, spires, and flying buttresses.

These architectural feats are fairly common in Gothic architecture. It was also used in castles and palaces, as well as government buildings and universities, but was less common in private residences due to the high cost of construction.

The name comes from Giorgio Vasari, who used it to describe a culture that was considered rude and barbaric. At the time, Italy was building classical structures and saw European structures as garish and showy.

Local resources, such as various grades of limestone and colored marble, are used in Gothic architecture.

This was not only a new building style, but architects were also able to use new technology. The ogival and pointed arches were essential elements of Gothic architecture.

The interior -walls-, which emphasized verticality and light, were not the solid ones we are used to seeing, but rather resembled the skeleton of a building. The finished effect was clustered columns, pointed ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Cathedrals and abbeys were designed to be landmark structures, rising high above the rest of the town's structures.

The massive towers, pinnacles, and spires that loomed over the town were another fantastic feature of the Gothic architecture in these buildings. The pointed arches on the inside emphasized the height and added to the decoration.