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GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

Introduction, Gothic architecture's defining features are pointed arches, rib vaults, buttresses,

and extensive use of stained glass. Combined, these features allowed the creation of buildings

of unprecedented height and grandeur, filled with light from large stained glass windows.

Gothic system new elements:

 One of the most renowned features of Gothic Architecture includes pointed arches.
 Flying Buttresses.
 Ribbed Vaults.
 Stained glass windows
Structural features of gothic architecture:
Gothic architects used the same vaults, but this time with pointed arch sections, and ribs
(transverse & diagonal ribs). These ribs will act like a skeleton system, helping in carrying the
weight. The ribs were not just an addition, but were a complete system, starting from the
columns, ending with the tip of the arch.
Gothic Buildings in the World
Milan Cathedral, Milan
The biggest church in all of Italy (and the third largest in the world), the Milan Cathedral was
a work-in-progress for a few centuries from the time of ground-breaking in 1386 until its
completion in 1865. However, the building that we see today wasn’t finished until 1965, with
the work facing stoppage during World War Two when Milan was bombed. The cathedral’s

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spires and pinnacles as well as a highly ornate facade are strongly representative of its Gothic
design.

The Basilica of Saint-Denis, Paris

Cconsidered one of the earliest Gothic buildings in the world, the Basilica of Saint-Denis was
built on the grave of Saint Denis, a Bishop of Paris who died in 250 AD. Designed by Abbot
Suger, the church was completed in stages, beginning with the choir in 1144, and finally
finished in the 13th century. From the 7th century up until the 19th century, 43 kings and 32
queens were buried in the church.

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Notre-Dame, Paris

One of the most iconic cathedrals in the world, Notre-Dame de Paris is also one of the earliest
Gothic structures with its construction beginning in 1163. Completed in 1345, the basic
structure went through several alterations and also suffered desecration during the French
Revolution. Though the cathedral was restored in the 19th century, it was damaged again
during World War Two. A devastating fire tore through the structure in April 2019, destroying
its roof and impacting the stability of the stone structure. The restoration cost is expected to
run into billions of dollars; however, 3D scans of the Gothic structure taken by the late architect
Professor Andrew Tallon are expected to aid in the full restoration of the Notre-Dame.

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Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France

Located about 80km southwest of Paris, Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of
Our Lady of Chartres was built in the 12th-13th century and is in a well-preserved state – from
its vast nave and fine sculptures to its original stained glass windows. A major pilgrimage site
dedicated to the Virgin Mary as well as a popular tourist destination, Chartres Cathedral is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Notre-Dame de Reims, Reims, France

Also known as Reims Cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims was the place where the kings of
France were crowned once upon a time. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Gothic style
cathedral was built in the 13th century. With more than a million visitors each year, Reims
Cathedral is indeed a popular destination. One of the most embellished structures in the Gothic
style, the cathedral features over 2,300 statues in addition to beautiful buttresses, arches,
decorative figures and tabernacles.

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Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, England

The seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury – the head of the Church of England – Canterbury
Cathedral is the Mother Church of the global Anglican Communion and has a history going
back 14 centuries. Completely rebuilt in 1070-1077, the cathedral was also the scene of Thomas
Beckett’s dramatic murder on the orders of Henry II in 1170. A fire in the 12th century led to
the rebuilding of the east end in the English Gothic architecture style.

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Palace of Westminster, London

The seat of political power in Britain, the Palace of Westminster houses the British Parliament
and represents one of the early examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.
Designed by architect Charles Barry after a fire destroyed the previous structure, the building
was constructed from 1840-1876

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St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

The Gothic Revival took this style of architecture beyond Europe, all the way Down Under to
Australia. One of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country, St. Mary’s is an English style
Gothic building that was built over several decades. The foundation stone for the first chapel
was laid in 1821 and the chapel was elevated to a cathedral in 1835. Thirty years later, the
building was destroyed in a fire. The foundation stone for the present cathedral was laid in
1868 and dedicated – in its still unfinished state – in 1882. Though the original design included
spires, these were installed only 135 years later, in 2000.

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The Woolworth Building, New York City

Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, The Woolworth Building opened in 1913 and
was the tallest building in the world for the next 17 years until 1930 when the Empire State
Building came on the scene. One of the most famous examples of Gothic Revival architecture
of the 20th century, this 60-storeyed building inspired several skyscraper projects of the time
to adopt the architectural style. The Woolworth Building is a National Historic Landmark as
well as a New York City designated landmark.

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The Woolworth Building, New York City (photo 1913) - United States Library of Congress's
Prints and Photographs division

THANK YOU!!

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