Gothic arch

Medieval cathedral feature

A Gothic arch is a pointed arch formed by two curves meeting at an apex, characteristic of medieval European architecture from the 12th century onward.

Unlike the rounded Roman arch, the pointed form directs weight more efficiently downward, allowing for taller, thinner walls and larger windows.

The cathedral's Gothic arches soared above the nave.

Related
  • vaultSecure storage chamber
  • keystoneArch's central locking stone
  • traceryDecorative branching stonework
  • lancetSmall surgical knife
  • arcadeArched passageway or gaming hall

quatrefoil · trefoil · spandrel · ogee · flying buttress · ogival · compression · spire · rose window · high ceiling · Notre Dame · Westminster Abbey · old cathedral · medieval · ecclesiastical · gargoyle · pinnacle · cathedral

Categories
Opposites
architectural form

Gothic archround arch

Arch with constant radius

horseshoe arch · lintel · post-and-beam

architectural style period

Gothic archRoman architecture

Ancient imperial building style

Greek architecture · Renaissance architecture · Byzantine architecture

Family

arch, architect, arched, architecture, archway, arching, arches, architectural, archways

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G