Gothic Cathedrals: Architecture and Evolution in Europe
Architecture: The Gothic Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral is characterized by verticality and light, reflecting divinity. Its most typical expression is the cathedral, where we find all the elements of Gothic art. It utilizes a new type of arch and vault: the pointed arch and vault, which enables a transparent wall covered with glass. Rosettes are privileged under the windows of colored glass.
Latin cross plans predominate, distinguishing the header and cruise ships, three to five. The choir has an ambulatory and radiating chapels. The nave and transept are wider and taller than the lateral pillars. Separate issues appear that have the shaft made of several thin columns (ribs). In Gothic building, an additional counterweight system is required: the era of arbotantes.
Vaults are rectangular spaces which cover higher areas. It consists of two arcs (nerves) that intersect in the key. The remaining area is covered with fillings. The windows are arranged in tracery. Each glass has an iron frame and lead covering. Glass is revalued. Towers and gates are placed. The facade is typically in the form of H. It consists of two square towers, topped with a pyramidal element. They have three levels: the entrance gateway, the windows, and a rosette.
In the elevation of the cathedral, there are three parts: the arcade, the clerestory, and claristorio or windows. In addition to the cathedrals, other civilian buildings become important. They include the town hall, auction markets, while building castles and military fortifications.
Gothic Architecture in Europe
France is the cradle of the Gothic style. At this stage, we find proto-Gothic buildings such as the Cistercian abbey of St. Denis and Notre-Dame de Paris. In the classical period, royal cathedrals such as Reims, Amiens, and Chartres are included. In the Mannerist period, the Sainte Chapelle in Paris and Rouen Cathedral are highlights.
In England, the Gothic style has three stages: the primitive style (Canterbury Cathedral), the decorative style (York Cathedral), and the perpendicular style (Westminster Cathedral). The Gothic style barely entered Italy, but Italian Gothic civil architecture is characteristic. Emphasize the Charterhouse of Pavia, the Municipality of Perugia, and the ducal palace Casa del Oro in Venice.
Gothic arrives in Portugal through Spain: Convent of the Monastery of Batalha and Alcobaça. In the XV and XVI centuries, the original Manueline style develops: Monastery of Belem.
Gothic Architecture in Spain
In Spain, the Gothic style has two main areas: the road to Santiago and the market towns of the Crown of Aragón. The Gothic style was introduced in Spain in the XII century. The many plants are in the form of T, the chapels of the header and the transept, and a cloister with two floors. Examples include the monasteries of Poblet, Spina, Gradefes, and La Moreruela. Construction began on the cathedrals of Zamora, Salamanca, Tarragona, and Lleida.
The second stage, in the twelfth century, is the High Gothic. The most important are the cathedrals of León, Burgos, and Toledo. The third stage, in the fourteenth century, includes the cathedrals of Palma de Mallorca, Santa Maria del Mar (Barcelona), and Girona. Temples are more austere, the nave is wider, and the sides are higher.
In the fifteenth century, the flamboyant Gothic style emerged, which in Castile is called Elizabethan. At this time, the decoration overflowed, the plants tend to be square with a single nave and thinner media. The choir travels to the feet and higher. Examples include the auction of Palma de Mallorca and Valencia. In Castile, there are two schools: Toledo and Burgos. Examples include the Lions Gate of the Cathedral of Toledo and the Charterhouse of Miraflores.