Gothic

Gothic architecture is an architectural and artistic style emerging in the second half of
the 12th century.

the name “Gothic” was applied to the style of churches that emerged after the fact, nearly 1,000
years later. The style was first realized in France as a break away from the Romanesque style which
boasted thick walls during a time when cultural development accelerated and architects and
masonry workers had the opportunity to explore more complex structural elements.
Gothic architecture is an architectural style that was prevalent

was prevalent in Europe from the late 12th to the 16th century, during the High and Late Middle
Ages, surviving into the 17th and 18th centuries in some areas.[1] It evolved from Romanesque
architectureand was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. It originated in the Île-de-France and
Picardy regions of northern France. The style at the time was sometimes known as opus
Francigenum (lit. 'French work');[2] the term Gothic was first applied contemptuously during the
later Renaissance, by those ambitious to revive the architecture of classical antiquity.

it is rooted in French architecture, but can be found all over Europe and even in other
continents. The style was originally referred to as “French Work” (Opus Francigenum),
and was used extensively by religious bodies, especially the Roman Catholic Church.

-The greatest number of surviving Gothic architectural buildings are churches. From smaller
chapels to the largest Cathedrals.

Gothicdesigns were actually created to bring more sunlight into spaces, mainly churches, and led to
the design and construction of some of the world’s most iconic buildings.
Example
Basilica Church of Saint-Denis is regarded as the first truly Gothic building,

Background

As a style that spanned such a long time in history, Gothic architecture does of course have a
number of different manifestations. It does have some clear characteristics. These are large stained
glass windows, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, ornate embellishments and pointed arches.

Stained glass windows have always been used in places of worship, but are particularly
common in the Gothic cathedrals, where they are larger than in most other churches
and let in huge amounts of tinted light. These windows were often used to tell stories
from the bible in their decorative scenes. Natural light entering through high windows
was an important characteristic in the style. This was closely tied to the belief that light
was important in holy settings and was linked to divinity.