page_title: Gothic architecture
section_title: Features of the Gothic style
hierarchical_section_title: Gothic architecture / Architectural features of Gothic churches / Features of the Gothic style
caption_attribution_description: Gothic Cathedral, section with architectural labels
context_page_description: Gothic architecture is a way of planning and designing buildings that developed in Western Europe in the Late Middle Ages. Gothic architecture grew out of Romanesque architecture, in France in the 12th century. Gothic architecture spread across Europe and lasted until the 16th century when Renaissance architecture became popular.
  The important single feature of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch, which is the main difference from Romanesque architecture which had rounded arches. Other important features are the ribbed vault, flying buttress, and windows with patterns of stone lace called tracery.
  Many of the great cathedrals, abbeys and churches of Europe are Gothic architecture. It is also the architecture of many castles, palaces, town halls, universities, and also some houses.
  Many church buildings still remain from this period. Even the smallest Gothic churches are often very beautiful, while many of the larger Gothic churches and cathedrals are thought to be priceless works of art. Many are listed with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as World Heritage Sites.
context_section_description: Pointed arches
  Very high towers and spires and roofs
  Clustered columns: tall columns that looked like a group of thin columns bundled together
  Ribbed vaults: arched ceilings made of stone. In the Gothic style they were held up by stone ribs.
  A skeleton of stonework with great big glass windows in between.
  Tracery: carved stone lace in the windows and on the walls
  Stained glass: richly colored glass in the windows, often with pictures telling stories
  Buttresses: narrow stone walls jutting out from the building to help hold it up
  Flying buttresses: buttresses that help to hold the vault up. They are made with an arch that jumps over a lower part of the building to reach the outside wall.
  Statues: of Saints, Prophets and Kings around the doors
  Many sculptures, sometimes of animals and legendary creatures. Gargoyles spout water from the roof.
caption: Cathedral section with names of the parts
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