The use of Gothic Architecture


For those who are thinking about visiting some of the most popular European cathedrals, you’ll notice that when it comes to the gothic era, which lasted between the 12th century and the 16th century. The design is very intricate and the structure has many unique aspects.

There are a lot of architectural features that are very common, but they also stand for the gothic architecture. Used also in castles and palaces as well as government buildings and universities, but lesser found in private dwellings, as its construction was extremely costly.

Named not from the historical Goths, but from Giorgio Vasari to describe the culture that was considered rude and barbaric. Italy, at the time, was building more classical structures, but they looked at the English and thought that the buildings were very showy.


The Gothic architecture utilizes local resources such as various grades of limestone, and colored marble.

The greatest part of the gothic style is that there were not only creating interesting pieces of art, but they were learning to build with styles that used new technology. It was very cutting edge at the time.

Emphasizing verticality and light, the inside -walls- were not solid ones that we commonly know, but looked more like the skeleton of a building. Clustered columns, pointed ribbed vaults and flying buttresses were the finished effect.

When it comes to the gothic architecture of the many cathedrals or even the abbys, you’ll find that they were made to become almost like a landmark. They were to be respected high above the rest of the town.

Another dramatic effect was that the gothic architecture showed off high towers, spires, and even pinnacles. It was the height of the town and also it was as decorative on the outside as it is in the inside. You will find that the decoration of the interior design will only enhance the overall appearance.