Between the 12th and 16th centuries, Gothic architecture swept Europe, with religious institutions, in particular, leading the charge. A few key advancements in architectural engineering became pivotal to Gothic construction, particularly exterior wall supports and ribbed ceiling vaults that allowed the creation of incredibly tall interiors.
While the style was continuously reimagined over its several-century domination in European architecture, some critical elements are universal to Gothic architecture. The largest departure from its predecessor – Romanesque architecture – is its overall more delicate appearance. Thick walls and heavy embellishments were abandoned for more intricate, sometimes lace-like, elements and slimmer, less imposing structural supports that allowed significantly more light to enter their elaborate stained-glass windows.
These and other hallmarks of Gothic style rendered it both an incredibly significant portion of historical architecture and a lasting testament to human ingenuity. If you’re looking to tour Europe’s Gothic masterpieces, here are 5 of the most celebrated examples to inspire your travel plans.
Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris, France
Located on the relatively tiny Île de la Cité in the Seine, the massive Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most visited buildings of any kind in the world.
Built over two centuries with the massive support of the Catholic Church, it was one of the first buildings in the world to utilize what became a staple of Gothic architecture: the flying buttress, designed to open up the nave visually by supporting their stone walls from the outside. Notre Dame showcases the single most famous example of this pivotal feature of the Gothic style.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Vienna, Austria
The most recognizable building in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands on the remains of a former Roman church, most of which was lost to a fire.
Around the remaining Roman columns was built the cathedral we see today, including the iconic mosaic roof, massive south tower, and the east-facing Gothic Albertine choir. The latter bears several sculptures, though they’re actually copies. To protect the originals, they are stored and exhibited at the Historical Museum of the City of Vienna.
Cologne Cathedral – Cologne, Germany
With a visage so iconic that it is synonymous with Cologne, the Cologne Cathedral, or Kölnerdom, is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in Europe, as well as a prime example of German Catholic Gothic architecture.
Still the seat of the archdiocese of Cologne, it is Germany’s most visited landmark, sometimes welcoming as many as 20,000 people in a day. Its exterior is largely composed of sandstone; over the years its surface has reacted with the slightly acidic rain to give the cathedral its signature black/brown coloring.
Doge’s Palace – Venice, Italy
The finest remaining example of Venetian Gothic architecture in all of northern Italy, Doge’s Palace once housed the rotating leaders of the Venetian Republic. Initial construction on the current iteration of the palace began around 1340, but over the centuries saw several additions, refurbishments, and reconstructions to add more room for the expanding administration of the growing republic.
Today Venice is a part of Italy, and the palace is now home to a museum that, in addition to showcasing the Gothic splendor of the palace, holds a wealth of treasures that illuminate the history of the Venetian Republic.
Canterbury Cathedral – Canterbury, England
Though its full name is a mouthful – the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ at Canterbury – what is colloquially called Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most important structures in the Anglican Church.
There has been a church on this site at least as far back as the 6th century, though evidence has been found of an even earlier Roman church. It has survived the English Reformation as well as both World Wars and remains an iconic symbol of Canterbury, the design of its quire and the Trinity Chapel were quintessential to inspiring centuries of Gothic churches that followed.
Do you know other gorgeous examples of Gothic architecture? Please comment down here to share your gothic tips with us!
