The Gothic Cathedral
The Gothic style church quickly became the popular choice for the construction of cathedrals everywhere in the 13th century after the finalizing of the style. There were three architectural features in the Gothic Cathedral that set it apart from the Romanesque Cathedral. The three new features included ribbed vaulted ceilings, pointed arches and flying buttresses. the ribbed vaulted ceilings and the pointed arches allowed the architects to build the gothic cathedral much higher than the romanesque ever could be. Because of its height and tall pointed pillars that stood on the roof of the structure the gothic cathedrals had sense of upward movement which is said to make a person feel somewhat closer to the Heavens and God. Flying buttresses were large curved external supports that leaned against the structure. This extra support allowed the walls of the cathedral to be thinner and lighter which also allowed for stained glass, and lots of it.
Because of the new flying buttresses craftsmen were able to perfect the stained glass window. Some believed that light and therefore stained glass held special significance as it drew a parallel between itself and God. That is that light isn't seen, but allows others to see and God isn't seen, but allows things to exist. (Spielvogel, 268).
The first gothic church on record was that of Saint-Denis by Paris and was built between 1140 and 1150. (Spielvogel, 268). The gothic style cathedral swept the European world making its beginning in France and moving its way into Spain, Germany and England.
The gothic cathedrals, however, weren't easy to construct and took the participation of a whole community. The rich aristocrats would raise and donate money, the masons would plan and construct the building and various other craftsmen were paid to help. (Spielvogel, 268).
Because of the new flying buttresses craftsmen were able to perfect the stained glass window. Some believed that light and therefore stained glass held special significance as it drew a parallel between itself and God. That is that light isn't seen, but allows others to see and God isn't seen, but allows things to exist. (Spielvogel, 268).
The first gothic church on record was that of Saint-Denis by Paris and was built between 1140 and 1150. (Spielvogel, 268). The gothic style cathedral swept the European world making its beginning in France and moving its way into Spain, Germany and England.
The gothic cathedrals, however, weren't easy to construct and took the participation of a whole community. The rich aristocrats would raise and donate money, the masons would plan and construct the building and various other craftsmen were paid to help. (Spielvogel, 268).