Gothic CathedralsClaire Johnson and Virginia Green

An Overview• Gothic architecture began as a

spinoff of Norman design in the 1200s, but rapidly grew and developed a separate identity over the next few hundred years

• The massive stone cathedrals took years, money, and labor to build, but they represented a new height of architectural prowess and rich culture

Defining Gothic• Gothic cathedrals represented a

significant architectural shift• Gothic architecture tended to be

dramatically tall and elaborate; its features were designed to point upwards in praise God

• Huge arches and high ceilings made worshippers feel connected to God

Architectural Purpose• The cathedrals were built upon

the idea that the worshippers needed to feel close to God

• Previous churches were dark, gloomy, and relatively low to the ground

• Gothic-style arches and great height were atypical in cathedrals of the time, but they gave church members a new sense of connectedness

Rose Windows• Rose windows were among the

most distinctive features of the Gothic style

• These huge, circular windows were built on a pattern of stone tracery

• The stained glass in between the stone spokes could depict familiar Biblical scenes, but were often simply colorful decoration

• These windows served to illuminate and decorate the huge buildings

Flying Buttresses• Flying buttresses were developed

for architectural purposes, but soon came to distinguish Gothic art

• They were stone extensions from the walls that spread the considerable weight of the cathedral’s walls to the ground

• This allowed for taller and heavier cathedrals

• They were often ornately decorated as well, and gave the cathedrals a light, upward-sweeping look

Interior Atmosphere• Cathedral interiors were large and

breezy due to the spectacular height of the buildings

• Stained glass windows prevented them from having a gloomy atmosphere

• Huge columns further added to the impression of height

• Detailed sculptures and carvings covered the walls

Gargoyles• Gargoyles were an especially

memorable feature• These stone heads protruded

from the walls all over the outside of the building

• The heads were usually grotesque and disturbing, meant to both keep the people properly frightened of demons and to represent the demons themselves

• On a practical note, the heads also spat rainwater from the roof

Stonework• The complex carvings that

decorated both the interior and exterior of the cathedrals required years of labor and multiple stonemasons

• Biblical scenes and figures were recreated in stone

• The façade of the cathedral in particular was highly detailed and ornate

Arches• The heavy stone ceilings of the

cathedrals required a lot of support, much of which was provided by large pointed arches

• The arches spread the weight and prevented the ceilings from collapsing

• They were also extremely striking and could be decorative

Vaulted Ceilings• Vaulted ceilings were created by

creating a basic framework of stone “vault ribs” to help distribute ceiling weight to the walls

• They were similar to arches but did not stand alone

• They allowed the ceilings to be unusually high and gave the cathedrals an airy atmosphere

Pinnacles and Turrets• Although flying buttresses shifted

weight from the walls, they could push too far sideways and collapse

• This was corrected by small but heavy pinnacles, which were essentially small spires

• Pinnacles were also aesthetically appealing, contributing to the upward-sweeping theme of Gothic architecture

• Turrets were similar, like small towers

Strasbourg Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral

Reims Cathedral

Sources• http://chartreslabyrinthtours.com/services• http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http%

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• http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exploring-castles.com%2Fcharacteristics_of_gothic_architecture_2.html&h=0&w=0&sz=1&tbnid=V9QdqUl6kCSSIM&tbnh=194&tbnw=259&zoom=1&docid=ryB6zUw8FrCOYM&ei=spLoUvzUJcnN2wWHsIHQDg&ved=0CAgQsCUoAg

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Notre_Dame_Cathedral.jpg

• http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/gothic_church_architecture.htm

• http://www.athenapub.com/14glossary.htm• http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothi

c_architecture.html• http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/509828/rose

-window• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinnacle