Gothic Architecture in Europe: Characteristics & Examples
Gothic Architecture: Key Features and Regional Styles
1. Location and Period
Gothic architecture flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries, overlapping with the Romanesque period. It was prominent in Western Europe, including France, England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Flanders.
2. Historical Context
This era saw an emphasis on increased light and intricate stonework. Religious orders, feudal monarchies, and, once again, the cities and civic power became important. Construction was done systematically. The Gothic cathedral, a building with both religious and civil functions, evolved from stylized Romanesque designs. In England, a second transept was often added, leading to structural changes. Loads were now transmitted through knots or encounters, moving through porticos to arches, and leading to the development of the flying buttress. Pinnacles were added to stabilize flying buttresses. Ogee arches were used for greater verticality. Vaults became more complex. Cathedrals emphasized verticality over width.
3. Construction System
A) Materials: Primarily stone, with wooden decks. Glass was used extensively to fill the spaces created by flying buttresses and as an art form, providing light and color.
B) Methods: Specialized labor and technical direction were employed, alongside simpler labor from citizens. Auxiliary material resources from the Roman era were utilized. Buildings had work plans and workbooks.
C) Structural Elements:
- Pointed arch
- Ribbed vault
- Flying buttress
- Tracery vault: Vault with numerous nerve junctions.
- Gothic pillar: Formed by the convergence of all the nerves (not a column).
- Rose windows: Circular windows with pierced stone tracery.
- Keystones: Medallions or floral designs at nerve intersections.
- Wood deck
Non-Structural Elements: Gargoyles, tympana, archivolts.
Construction System: Vaulted with ribbed vaults and flying buttresses.
4. Regional Variations
A) Gothic in France:
Notre Dame (Paris): Features a main entrance, main hall, two doors, and two aisles. The facade has three blocks and three sections. The front door has an archivolt with a single-space tympanum, sometimes with a mullion. A very French rose window. It has five naves and a transept. Gothic cathedrals are very hierarchical. Important French cathedrals include Notre Dame, Chartres (with two different towers), Reims, Amiens, and Saint Chapelle in Paris (known for its extensive use of glass).
B) Gothic in England:
Significant differences from the French style. English Gothic cathedrals are slimmer, with only two naves. They feature a cruciform plan with a transept extending westward. They are very upright and elongated, with a less developed apse. The facade is often integrated with the monastery. Rose windows are less common, while towers are prominent. The towers often end in spires. Buttresses are not as tall as in French examples, but the towers are higher. Key cathedrals include Salisbury, Canterbury, and Winchester.
C) Gothic in Spain:
Influenced by the French style. Examples include Burgos, Barcelona, and Toledo. They often have cloisters and five naves, with a transept that does not protrude significantly. Facades have three blocks and three sections. Rose windows are more common in Spain than in Belgium and Germany. Late Gothic (14th and 15th centuries) features more elaborate vaulting, nerves, and rosettes. Seville Cathedral, for example, has seven naves.
D) Other Gothic Styles:
Italy: Milan Cathedral features five very large naves, characteristic of the late Gothic period. Civil Gothic architecture developed significantly in Flanders and Belgium, with pointed arches and a distinct Gothic language creating new types of spaces. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is another notable example.