gothic cathedral
Pointed arches, buttresses
A gothic cathedral is a large Christian church built in the Gothic architectural style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and tall windows that flood the interior with light.
These structures, mostly dating from the 12th through 16th centuries, were engineering marvels that allowed unprecedented height and openness: Notre-Dame de Paris is among the most famous gothic cathedrals.
The style emerged in medieval France and spread throughout Europe.
- pointed archArch with angled apex
- tympanumSound-receiving ear membrane
- traceryDecorative branching stonework
- stained glassColored window art
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
clerestory · Middle Ages · medieval architecture · Notre Dame · masonry · choir · high altar · liturgy · organ music · flying buttress · grotesque · stone carving · nave · quarrying · scaffolding · spire · bell tower · relic
gothic cathedralfactory
Industrial production facility
warehouse · shopping mall · office tower · train station · fortress