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The cross section of the Amiens Cathedral. (E) triforium, (F) clerestory.

Amiens Cathedral

The cross section of the Amiens Cathedral. (E) triforium, (F) clerestory.

"The Banqueting Hall at Haddon is a good type of the baronial halls in this century. The minstrels' gallery, at the end opposite the daïs, is usually a feature; under the passage called the Screens, leading from the outer to the inner courtyard and giving access to the kitchen, pantry, and gallery." —Bargield, 1914

Gothic Architecture Banquet Hall

"The Banqueting Hall at Haddon is a good type of the baronial halls in this century. The minstrels'…

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a façade.

Bay of Abbey of St. Denis

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault…

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. Architecturally, the choir (alt. spelling quire) is the area of a church or cathedral, usually in the western part of the chancel between the nave and the sanctuary (which houses the altar). A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a façade.

One Bay of Choir, Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English…

The Catholic Cathedral of Limburg, also known as <em>Georgsdom</em> or <em>Limburger Dom</em> in German (English: Cathedral of St. George) after its dedication to Saint George, is one of the most accomplished buildings of the late Romanesque style. A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay of Limburg Cathedral

The Catholic Cathedral of Limburg, also known as Georgsdom or Limburger Dom in German…

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

Bay of Speyer Cathedral

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault…

The Cathedral of St Martin (Italian Duomo) is a church in Lucca, Italy. It was begun in 1063 by Bishop Anselm (later Pope Alexander II). Of this structure, the great apse with its tall columnar arcades and the fine campanile remain. A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay, Nave of Lucca Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Martin (Italian Duomo) is a church in Lucca, Italy. It was begun in 1063 by Bishop…

The Cathedral of Bourges is located in Bourges, France. It Cathedral was built in dedication to Saint Stephen. The structure of the Cathedral is designed in a Gothic style with the use of flying buttresses.

Cathedral of Bourges

The Cathedral of Bourges is located in Bourges, France. It Cathedral was built in dedication to Saint…

A corner buttress from Chancel of Claybrooke Church, Leicestershire. The buttress would have a statues inside the buttress for decoration.

Chancel of Claybrooke Church Corner Buttress

A corner buttress from Chancel of Claybrooke Church, Leicestershire. The buttress would have a statues…

A flying buttress, or arc-boutant, is a specific type of buttress usually found on a religious building such as a cathedral. They are used to transmit the horizontal thrust of a vault across an intervening space (which might be an aisle, chapel or cloister), to a buttress outside the building. The employment of the flying buttress means that the load bearing walls can contain cut-outs, such as for large windows, that would otherwise seriously weaken them. Flying buttresses are often found in Gothic architecture.

Early Gothic Flying Buttress

A flying buttress, or arc-boutant, is a specific type of buttress usually found on a religious building…

A canopy is the projecting moulding that surrounds the arches and heads of Gothic niches.

Canopy

A canopy is the projecting moulding that surrounds the arches and heads of Gothic niches.

A canopy is the projecting moulding that surrounds the arches and heads of Gothic niches.

Canopy Detail

A canopy is the projecting moulding that surrounds the arches and heads of Gothic niches.

A French Gothic capital from Sainte Chapelle in Paris from the thirteenth century. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A French Gothic capital from Sainte Chapelle in Paris from the thirteenth century. The capitals were…

A fourteenth century capital from transept of Notre Dame, Paris. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A fourteenth century capital from transept of Notre Dame, Paris. The capitals were tall and slender,…

A fifteenth century capital from the north spire of Chartres. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A fifteenth century capital from the north spire of Chartres. The capitals were tall and slender, concave…

The Lincoln Cathedral in England is an example of early English Gothic architecture during medieval times.

Lincoln Cathedral

The Lincoln Cathedral in England is an example of early English Gothic architecture during medieval…

The Metz Cathedral is also known as the St. Etienne de Metz in French. It is a Roman Catholic church located in Moselle, France. The interior nave shown in this picture, is the center aisle that leads to the altar, it is the third highest in France.

Metz Cathedral

The Metz Cathedral is also known as the St. Etienne de Metz in French. It is a Roman Catholic church…

Exterior of the Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, in the heart of old Vienna. Its construction lasted 65 years, from 1368 to 1433. A glory of St. Stephen's Cathedral is its ornately patterned, richly colored roof.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

Exterior of the Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, in the heart of old Vienna. Its construction…

A section of an arch with sunk chamfer commonly found in Gothic architecture during the fourteenth century. A chamfer is a hollowed out area of the arch to create an ornamental design.

Gothic Architecture Arch Moulding Sunk Chamfer

A section of an arch with sunk chamfer commonly found in Gothic architecture during the fourteenth century.…

The cathedral of Chartres is a roman catholic cathedral in Chartres, France. Built in a Gothic style, the Cathedral has two different spires.

Cathedral of Chartres

The cathedral of Chartres is a roman catholic cathedral in Chartres, France. Built in a Gothic style,…

An illustration of a city gate in York during the fourteenth century illustrating Gothic architecture. The city gate was used to control access and exit of the city during the middle ages.

Gothic Architecture City Gate

An illustration of a city gate in York during the fourteenth century illustrating Gothic architecture.…

The "clearstory window of St. Leu d'Esserent, France" showing a sexfoil window, of six petals. -Whitney, 1911

Clerestory

The "clearstory window of St. Leu d'Esserent, France" showing a sexfoil window, of six petals. -Whitney,…

A clergy house in Alfriston, England illustrating typical Gothic architecture during the fourteenth century. The house was used by a parish priest during the fourteenth to nineteenth century.

Gothic Architecture Alfriston Clergy House

A clergy house in Alfriston, England illustrating typical Gothic architecture during the fourteenth…

This illustration shows one fragment of a French cloister built in the Middle Ages. The architecture is Gothic, with pointed arches and vaulted ceilings, Two monks huddle in the passageway. This cloister looks very similar to the cloister at Mont Saint Michel Abbey, though it is not labeled as such.

A Cloister at a French Monastery from the Middle Ages

This illustration shows one fragment of a French cloister built in the Middle Ages. The architecture…

"Germany's most beautiful cathedral, Cologne." -Foster, 1921

Cologne Cathedral

"Germany's most beautiful cathedral, Cologne." -Foster, 1921

The base of the column illustrating the Gothic ornamentation during the fourteenth century. The bottom part of the column has a slight slope on the bottom with the top part has a series of sunk chamfer for ornamentation.

Gothic Architecture Ornaments Column Base

The base of the column illustrating the Gothic ornamentation during the fourteenth century. The bottom…

An illustration of Gothic architectural decoration of the column. The column illustrated shows how the capital, or top, and base were decorated with series of circles ranging in size.

Gothic Architecture Column

An illustration of Gothic architectural decoration of the column. The column illustrated shows how the…

Constructive system of a Gothic church illustrating the principles of isolated supports and buttressing.

Constructive System of a Gothic Church

Constructive system of a Gothic church illustrating the principles of isolated supports and buttressing.

The interior view of the Fisherman's Cottage in Somersetshire. The interior of the cottage have a window with traceries and a fireplace. The Roof is supported by a series of wooden arches attached to both sides of the wall.

Interior Somersetshire Fisherman's Cottage

The interior view of the Fisherman's Cottage in Somersetshire. The interior of the cottage have a window…

An outside view of a fisherman's cottage in Somersetshire illustrating common architectural features during the fourteenth century. The two story cottage is about 32 feet long by 16 feet wide, where the ground floor is divided into three rooms.

Somersetshire Fisherman's Cottage

An outside view of a fisherman's cottage in Somersetshire illustrating common architectural features…

A crocket is a hook-shaped decorative element common in Gothic architecture. It is in the form of a stylised carving of curled leaves, buds or flowers which is used at regular intervals to decorate the sloping edges of spires, finials, pinnacles, and wimpergs.

Crocket

A crocket is a hook-shaped decorative element common in Gothic architecture. It is in the form of a…

A crocket is a hook-shaped decorative element common in Gothic architecture. It is in the form of a stylised carving of curled leaves, buds or flowers which is used at regular intervals to decorate the sloping edges of spires, finials, pinnacles, and wimpergs.

Crocket

A crocket is a hook-shaped decorative element common in Gothic architecture. It is in the form of a…

A Gothic architectural ornamentation commonly found during the fourteenth century. The crocket was a hooked shaped decoration commonly found on columns and mouldings.

Gothic Architecture Decoration

A Gothic architectural ornamentation commonly found during the fourteenth century. The crocket was a…

A doorway to a watch tower at Lincoln Castle during the fourteenth century. Guards usually observe the surrounding area in watch towers for threats.

Gothic Watch Tower Doorway

A doorway to a watch tower at Lincoln Castle during the fourteenth century. Guards usually observe the…

The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the West Front, is generally designed to create a powerful impression on the approaching worshipper, demonstrating both the might of God, and the might of the institution that it represents. Central to the facade is the main portal, often flanked by additional doors. There may be much other carving, often of figures in niches set into the mouldings around the portals, or in sculptural screens extending across the facade. Both internally and externally, the stonework is often richly decorated with carvings, particularly the capitals.

Early Gothic Carving

The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the West Front, is generally designed…

The Elisabeth Church in Marburg was built by the Order of the Teutonic Knights in honor of Elisabeth of Hungary. Her tomb made the church an important pilgrimage destination in the late Middle Ages. The building is now a Protestant church.

Section of Elisabeth Church, Marburg, Germany

The Elisabeth Church in Marburg was built by the Order of the Teutonic Knights in honor of Elisabeth…

Built in 1077, the excubitorium or watching-loft of the St. Albans Cathedral in England is an example of Romanesque architecture.

Excubitorium of St. Albans Cathedral in Englan

Built in 1077, the excubitorium or watching-loft of the St. Albans Cathedral in England is an example…

The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral in England show an early example of fan-tracery, patterns carved on a vault.

Fan-Tracery of Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral

The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral in England show an early example of fan-tracery, patterns carved…

An architectural decoration of the finial commonly found in Gothic architecture. The finial was used to decorate poles on the building and flag poles.

Gothic Architecture Finial

An architectural decoration of the finial commonly found in Gothic architecture. The finial was used…

This tracery shows the flamboyant style of Gothic architecture which was popular in France from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries.

Flamboyant Tracery

This tracery shows the flamboyant style of Gothic architecture which was popular in France from the…

This view of Florence shows the Duomo (cathedral) on the right and Giotto's Campanile (tower) on the left.

Florence

This view of Florence shows the Duomo (cathedral) on the right and Giotto's Campanile (tower) on the…

The flying buttresses of Notre Dame in Paris, France.

Flying Buttresses

The flying buttresses of Notre Dame in Paris, France.

This architectural sculpted foliage shows the gothic style of Notre Dame de Paris. "Medieval Conventionalized Foliage, Notre Dame, Paris; end of 13th century." -Whitney, 1911

Medieval Conventionalized Foliage

This architectural sculpted foliage shows the gothic style of Notre Dame de Paris. "Medieval Conventionalized…

The original Freiburg Cathedral, was founded by Conrad, Duke of Zaeringen in the 12th Century. The present cathedral completed in 1513, is considered one of the finest specimens of Gothic architecture in Germany. The Cathedral has an impressive steeple reaching to the height of three hundred and sixty five feet above the ground. The interior of the steeple is completely hollow.

Catherdal of Freiburg

The original Freiburg Cathedral, was founded by Conrad, Duke of Zaeringen in the 12th Century. The present…

"Gable of the South Transept Door of Notre Dame, Paris; 13th century." -Whitney, 1911

Gable at Notre Dame de Paris

"Gable of the South Transept Door of Notre Dame, Paris; 13th century." -Whitney, 1911

"Galleries of the west front of the Cathedral of Amiens, 13th century, illustrating treatment of galleries as a decorative feature." -Whitney, 1911

Galleries of Cathedral of Amiens

"Galleries of the west front of the Cathedral of Amiens, 13th century, illustrating treatment of galleries…

A gargoyle on the 13th century cathedral, La Sainte-Chapel in Paris, France, an example of Gothic architecture.

Gothic Gargoyle

A gargoyle on the 13th century cathedral, La Sainte-Chapel in Paris, France, an example of Gothic architecture.

Gargoyles on Notre Dame in Paris, France.

Gargoyles

Gargoyles on Notre Dame in Paris, France.

Cinquefoil, part of a Gothic ornament commonly found in stone decorations of windows or panels.

Gothic Cinquefoil

Cinquefoil, part of a Gothic ornament commonly found in stone decorations of windows or panels.

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery.

Gothic tracery

Gothic tracery.

"Medieval Groins in early 12th century vaulting. A, A, groins. GROIN. In architecture, the curved intersection or arris of simple vaults crossing each other at any angle." -Whitney, 1911

Groin Vault

"Medieval Groins in early 12th century vaulting. A, A, groins. GROIN. In architecture, the curved intersection…

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. The word groin refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults; cf. ribbed vault. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults are pointed instead of round. In comparison with a barrel vault, a groin vault provides good economies of material and labour. The thrust is concentrated along the groins or arrises (the four diagonal edges formed along the points where the barrel vaults intersect), so the vault need only be abutted at its four corners.

Groined Vault with Zig-Zag Ridge-Joints

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced…

An illustration of the hall in Alfriston Clergy House. The hall illustrates typical architectural support of the house typical during the fourteenth century.

Gothic Architecture Alfriston Clergy House Hall

An illustration of the hall in Alfriston Clergy House. The hall illustrates typical architectural support…

The middle window is the tracery found on the St. John's Hospital, Northampton. The two faces on the side is a larger view of the window from the Newarke Gateway at Leicester. These features were commonly found in Gothic architecture to decorate windows.

Northampton St. John's Hospital

The middle window is the tracery found on the St. John's Hospital, Northampton. The two faces on the…

The same gothic principles controlled the designing of houses, farm buildings, barns, granaries, and the like. The finest palaces are well represented by the Ducal Palace at Nancy (1476), the Hotel de Cluny at Paris (1485), and the Hotel Jacques at Bourges. These palaces are elaborately planned, with large halls, many staircases, and handsome courts; they are also extremely picturesque with their square and circular towers, slender turrets, elaborate dormers, and rich carved detail.

Hotel Jacques Coeur, Bourges

The same gothic principles controlled the designing of houses, farm buildings, barns, granaries, and…

Hotel De Ville was constructed about 1370 in the second half of the fourteenth century. Frescos at one time decorated it fa&ccedil;ade, some traces still visible in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The hotel is also referred to as the town hall, and is of Gothic architecture. In front of the Town Hall can be seen the beautiful fountain known as the Fischkasten (fish-tank) designed by J&ouml;rg Syrlin the Elder, 1482.

Hotel De Ville

Hotel De Ville was constructed about 1370 in the second half of the fourteenth century. Frescos at one…