Gothic European cathedrals. The most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world

He began to redeem himself. At this time, the first prerequisites for an unusual new art arose. The name "Gothic", "Gothic architecture" comes from the word "Goths" - barbarian tribes with Germanic roots.

Renaissance people with refined manners were outraged that art was taking on a form that was far from the canons of antiquity. They called new style gothic, i.e. barbarian. Almost all the art of the Middle Ages fell under this definition.

This direction existed for some time along with the old trend, so it is quite difficult to separate them by different chronological boundaries. But you can highlight the features of the Gothic style in architecture, which were not similar to Romanesque.

When Romanesque art was at its peak in the twelfth century, a new trend began to emerge. Even the forms, lines and themes of the works differed significantly from everything that was before.

Gothic style in architecture is divided into several stages:

early Gothic;

the tall, or mature, species was pushed to its limit in the 13th century;

flaming, or late, flourished in the 14th-15th centuries.

The main location of the style

Gothic was popular where the Christian church dominated secular life. Thanks to the new type of architecture, temples, churches, monasteries, and churches appeared.

It originated in a small French province called Ile de France. At the same time, it was discovered by the architects of Switzerland and Belgium. But in Germany, from where this art got its name, it appeared later than the others. Other architectural styles flourished there. Gothic style became the pride of Germany.

First try

With the beginning of the twelfth century, the main features characteristic of this direction appear in the architecture of various cathedrals. So, if you look at the Abbey of Saint-Denis near Paris, you can see an unusual arch. It is this building that embodies the entire Gothic style in the architecture of Western Europe. A certain abbot Sugery supervised the construction.

The churchman ordered to remove several internal walls during construction. The abbey immediately began to seem more voluminous, solemn and large-scale.

Heritage

Although the Gothic style in architecture concentrates mainly on the individual experiences of a person, he also took a lot from his predecessor. Romanesque architecture transferred her laurels to this style and faded into the background.

The main object of Gothic was the cathedral as a symbiosis of painting, architecture, and sculpture. If earlier architects preferred to create churches with round windows, thick walls with many supports and small interior spaces, then with the advent of this style, everything changed. The new current carried space and light. Often the windows were decorated with stained-glass windows with Christian scenes. Tall columns, towers, oblong arches and carved facades appeared.

The horizontal Romanesque style left room for the vertical stripes of the Gothic.

The cathedral

The Middle Ages are always identified with the development of Christianity. The church received power not only in religious, but also in secular life. She began to govern states, to put on the throne the monarchs she liked.

Literacy was taught according to church books. The only literature was religious. Music was also directly linked to Christianity. The Gothic style in the architecture of the Middle Ages interacted with all kinds of art.

The cathedral became central location any city. It was visited by parishioners, they studied in it, beggars lived here, and even theatrical performances were played. The sources often mention that the government also met in church premises.

Initially, the Gothic style for the cathedral had the goal of significantly expanding the space, making it brighter. After such a monastery was created in France, fashion began to quickly disperse throughout Europe.

Forced into crusades the values of the new religion spread the Gothic style in architecture in Syria, and in Rhodes, and in Cyprus. And the monarchs, put on the throne by the Pope, saw divine guidance in sharp forms and began to actively use them in Spain, England, and Germany.

Characteristics of the Gothic style in architecture

From other styles, Gothic architecture is distinguished by the presence of a stable frame. Arches in the form of arrows, vaults going up in the form of arcs and crosses become the main part of such a skeleton.

The building of the Gothic style, as a rule, consists of:

traveya - elongated cells of a rectangular design:

four arches:

4 pillars;

the skeleton of the vault, which is formed from the arches and pillars mentioned above and has a cruciform shape;

arkbutanov - arches that serve to support the building;

buttresses - stable pillars outside the room, often decorated with carvings or spikes;

windows in an arched style, with mosaics, as clearly shows the Gothic style in the architecture of France and Germany.

Whereas in Romanesque classical art the church is separated from the outside world, Gothic seeks an interplay between nature on the outside and cathedral life on the inside.

Secular architecture in a new way

Considering that in the Dark Ages the church and religion were in general inseparable from everyday life people of that time, the fashion for the Gothic style in the architecture of the Middle Ages spread everywhere.

Following the cathedrals, town halls began to be built with the same characteristic features, as well as residential buildings, castles, mansions outside the city.

french gothic masterpieces

The founder of this style was a monk from the abbey of Saint-Denis, who decided to create a completely new building. They called him godfather Gothic, and the church began to be shown as an example to other architects.

In the fourteenth century, another striking example of Gothic architecture arose in the capital of France, which became famous throughout the world - the Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris, a Catholic stronghold of faith in the city center, which has retained all the features of the Gothic style in architecture to this day.

The shrine was built where the Romans used to honor the god Jupiter. Since ancient times, the place has been an important religious center.

The first stone was laid in the new church by Pope Alexander III and Louis VII. The cathedral was designed by the famous architect Maurice de Sully.

Nevertheless, the founder of Notre Dame never saw his brainchild. After all, the cathedral was built only after a hundred years of continuous work.

According to the official idea, the temple was supposed to accommodate ten thousand citizens who lived in Paris at that time. And become a refuge and salvation in times of danger.

After so many years of construction, the city has grown several times. When it was completed, the cathedral became the center of all Paris. Bazaars, fairs immediately formed at the entrance, street artists began to perform. The color of the Parisian nobility gathered at his place and discussed new fashion trends.

They took refuge here during revolutions and wars.

Arrangements of Notre Dame Cathedral

The frame of the cathedral is connected by many thin pillars with the help of an arch. Inside, the walls stretch high and close imperceptibly to the naked eye. The oblong windows are covered with colored stained glass. The hall is in darkness. The rays that nevertheless pass through the glass illuminate hundreds of sculptures made of silver, wax, and marble. They froze ordinary people, kings, ministers of the church in various poses.

Instead of the walls of the church, it was as if they simply placed a frame of dozens of pillars. Between them are colored paintings.

The cathedral has five naves. The third one is much larger than the others. Its height reaches thirty-five meters.

If measured in modern standards, then in such a cathedral you can easily place a twelve-story residential building.

The last two naves intersect and visually form a cross between them. It symbolizes the life and suffering of Jesus Christ.

Money from the public treasury went to the construction of the cathedral. The Parisians hoarded them, donated them after every Sunday service.

The cathedral was badly damaged in modern times. So, the original stained-glass windows can be seen only on the western and southern facades. Sculptures are visible in the choir, on the facades of the building.

Germany

The Gothic style of architecture was named after the tribes living in German territory. It was in this country that he experienced his heyday. The main attractions of Gothic architecture in Germany include:

1. Cologne Cathedral. This temple began to be built in the thirteenth century. Nevertheless, work on it was completed only in the nineteenth century, in the year 1880. Its style is reminiscent of Amiens Cathedral.

The towers have sharp ends. The middle nave is high, while the other four are about the same proportions. The decor for the cathedral is very light and elegant.

At the same time, stiff, dry proportions are noticeable.

The western branch of the church was completed in the nineteenth century.

2. Cathedral in Worms, built in the thirteenth century by order of the local steward.

3. Notre Dame in Ulm.

4. Cathedral in Naumburg.

Italian Gothic

Italy for a long time preferred to remain committed to ancient traditions, to the Romanesque style, and then to the Baroque and Rococo.

But this country could not help but be inspired by a new medieval trend at that time. After all, it was in Italy that the residence of the Pope was located.

The most striking example of Gothic architecture can be considered the Doge's Palace in Venice. Mixed with the cultural traditions of this city, it acquired its own unique characteristics, retaining the signs of the Gothic style in architecture.

In Venice, the builders missed in their drawings the constructivism that reigned in this direction. They focused on decorating.

The facade of the Palace is unique in its components. Thus, columns of white marble are built on the lower floor. They form lancet arches between themselves.

The building itself seems to settle on top of the columns and presses them to the ground. And the second floor is formed with the help of a large loggia around the entire perimeter of the building, on which supports are also placed, more elegant and elongated, with unusual carvings. This pattern also extends to the third floor, the walls of which seem to be devoid of those windows that are characteristic of Gothic architecture. Instead of numerous frames, an ornament in geometric shapes appeared on the facade.

This Gothic-Italian style combined the luxury of Byzantine culture and European austerity. Piety and love for life.

Other Italian examples of the Gothic style in architecture:

The palace in Milan, which began to be built in the fourteenth century, and was completed in the nineteenth;

Palazzo d'Oro (or Palazzo Santa Sofia) in Venice.

Gothic architecture in France is an architectural style that was widespread in the territory of modern France from the 40s of the XII century to early XVI century, when it was replaced by the Renaissance. Originating in the center of the country, the Gothic style quickly spread throughout France and beyond. The skill of architects reached its peak in the middle of the 13th century, after which development proceeded through the use of applied crafts, in particular, stone processing.

Gothic as a French style has become a role model in most countries of Western and Central Europe, in which it acquired features characteristic of their architectural traditions.

Individual architectural monuments in the Gothic style or historical ensembles, including Gothic buildings, mainly cathedrals, were included in the List of objects world heritage UNESCO in France.
Here is a brief overview. Pay attention to the general, when it is impossible at first glance to understand which particular cathedral is in the photo, and to the differences, by which it is easy to find out what kind of cathedral is in front of you ... Individual sculptures and even sculptural groups are especially difficult to identify .

CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME OF PARIS - NOTRE DAME de PARIS.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1163 on the site where the Roman pagan temple stood, by order and with the blessing of the pope. Alexander III. Construction stretched for two whole centuries. According to the plans of the Pope, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, with its beauty, was supposed to outshine all other similar buildings that already existed on Earth.
The dimensions of Notre Dame Cathedral are stunning at first sight: length - 130 m, width - 48 m, height - 35 m, height of the western facade - 43 m, width of the western facade - 41 m, weight of the Emanuel bell - 13 tons. You can enter the cathedral through the portal of Our Lady, which is decorated with a skillful composition consisting of statues of monarchs and saints. Lightness of the cathedral is given by high lancet windows. The western rose window is a symbol of the Mother of God. She is surrounded by Old Testament characters. In the center of the stained-glass window is a medallion shimmering in red and blue. The medallion symbolizes the Mother of God. The south window is assigned to Christ.

The main or central nave of Notre Dame de Paris is located opposite the portal of the Last Judgment surrounded by columns. The height of the central nave is amazing. The long presbytery (altar part) is separated from the rest of the cathedral by a stone partition.

Today, only fragments of it have been preserved, decorated with reliefs of famous gospel scenes that date back to the 14th century. In the presbytery there is the throne of the bishop and places for guests of honor, decorated with baroque carvings. The real decoration of the cathedral are: "Pieta", the sculpture of the Virgin and Child, the expressive "May" painting by Charles Lebrun...
To get to the top of Notre Dame de Paris, you need to climb 387 steps, after passing through the wide fifteen-meter buttress arches to the gallery that stretches along the two western towers. The railing of the gallery is decorated, or intimidated, with mascarons (a convex stucco ornament in the form of a mask or a human face).

The outer part of the cathedral is decorated with various chimeras and gargoyles.

If you managed to overcome all these obstacles, then you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Paris that opened before you from the height of Notre Dame Cathedral. Who knows, maybe the events of the immortal novel of the great Victor Hugo came to him at the very moment when, having climbed onto the roof of Notre Dame de Paris, he looked at the capital of France from a bird's eye view...

The roof of Notre Dame Cathedral - another symbol of Paris and France, the Eiffel Tower, is perfectly visible from here.
There are many legends associated with the cathedral. For example, according to one of them, the Emmanuel bell was cast in 1600 from decorations donated to the cathedral by women in order to get a unique ringing. But the cathedral gained its fame in our country thanks to Victor Hugo.

CHARTRES CATHEDRAL

Chartres Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral of Chartres is the most famous monument of the city of Chartres, 90 km southwest of Paris. The cathedral is considered one of the finest Gothic buildings.

Churches have long stood on the site of the modern Chartres Cathedral. Since 876, the Holy Shroud of the Virgin Mary has been kept in Chartres.

Instead of the first cathedral, which burned down in 1020, a Romanesque cathedral with a huge crypt was erected. He survived the fire of 1134, which destroyed almost the entire city, but was badly damaged during the fire on June 10, 1194. Only the towers with the western facade and the underground chapel (crypt) survived from this fire, which started from a lightning strike.

The construction of a new cathedral began in the same 1194 with donations that flocked to Chartres from all over France. City residents voluntarily delivered stone from the surrounding quarries. The project of the previous structure was taken as a basis, into which the remaining parts of the old building were inscribed. The main work, which included the construction of the main nave, was completed in 1220, the consecration of the cathedral took place on October 24, 1260 in the presence of King Louis IX and members of the royal family.

This new cathedral has survived to this day almost untouched. It escaped destruction and robbery, and was never restored or rebuilt.

A distinctive feature of the cathedral is that its two towers are very different from each other. The north tower has a typical gothic base (with buttresses and few openings) and a later flamboyant gothic spire. The south tower, on the other hand, has a Gothic-style base and is crowned with a simpler spire.

AMIENS CATHEDRAL.

Amiens Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the largest in France.

The previously existing Romanesque cathedral burned to the ground in 1218 in a fire caused by a lightning strike. But the small church located near the cathedral survived. The relics of St. Firmin, the first bishop of the city of Amiens, were kept in it, so the church could not be demolished until the construction of the new cathedral was completed, where the relics of the saint were subsequently transferred.

According to the original plan, the towers of the cathedral were supposed to be built twice as wide and much higher than the existing ones. However, they were erected only to half the designed height, as a result of which the towers barely rise above the roof of the cathedral. In 1366, the construction of a tent over the southern tower was started, and the northern tower was completed only at the beginning of the 15th century. Different in height and pattern, they give the facade of the cathedral an extraordinary picturesqueness.

Amiens Cathedral is beautiful from every angle. The slender tower tent of the lantern above the crossroads enhances the overall impression of aspiration upwards and emphasizes the height of the Gothic structure. Graceful light buttresses topped with pinnacles rise from the base of the cathedral to its roof.

During the French Revolution, when sculptures and reliefs were broken by the thousands, many cathedrals in France were damaged. However, thanks to the efforts of the influential citizens of Amiens, who blocked the access of the revolutionaries to the cathedral, the losses there were minimal.

Despite the fact that many churches were built in the Gothic style both in France and in other European countries, it is Amiens Cathedral that is one of the most daring, original and harmonious buildings of the Gothic church.

ROUEN CATHEDRAL

Rouen Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most important monuments of Gothic architecture in France. The massive walls of the cathedral run along the entire Rue San Romano, one of the most prestigious in medieval Rouen.

Any, even the most modest camera, easily and naturally conveys all the beauty and power of this incredible structure, which has inspired writers and artists of various calibers for centuries. People in front of the cathedral look small, like worms. massive entrance doors seem tiny, like holes in a canvas pierced by a nail.

The cathedral suffered greatly during the war. Before landing in Normandy, the Allies staged carpet bombing for the whole night. One of the side towers collapsed and damaged the load-bearing columns. In theory, the cathedral was supposed to collapse and crumble into dust, but it miraculously survived. The renovation took twelve years. In 2000, either the same or another tower collapsed again. This happened at five in the morning, and the cathedral, fortunately, was empty, otherwise disaster would have happened. Of course, such an ancient structure has to be monitored constantly.

Rouen Cathedral is over 800 years old. The central tower with a spire is 70 meters deep from the facade - it is placed exactly in the spatial center of the cathedral, which is very unusual.

Two towers overlook the square in front of the facade of the cathedral: the left one, built in the 12th-15th centuries, and the right one, dated 1506, which was built in just 20 years. This later style, with many fine details and an intricate form, is called Flaming Gothic.

The interior of the cathedral

For its more yellow color, the right tower was called the olive tower. Despite the fact that there is more than enough limestone in Normandy, the stone for the Olive Tower was brought from Wales. In addition to the color, the name of the tower has another explanation: according to legend, the money for its construction was taken from the proceeds from the sale of indulgences. And the church sold most of all indulgences for violating the rules of Great Lent. The Rouenese loved butter and did not deny themselves this pleasure even during the days of fasting. In addition, the heads of wealthy families had to pay indulgences for all household members.

The central spire was added later than all in the middle of the 19th century. Its height is 151 meters.

The famous artist Claude Monet glorified the cathedral by creating a series of views of the cathedral at different times of the day.

And finally, the well-known Rheims Cathedral

Reims Cathedral or Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous examples of Gothic art in France due to its architecture and sculptural compositions. This is a classic example of High Gothic architecture at its peak.

The cathedral is world famous for the fact that from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, coronations of almost all French monarchs took place here.

Cathedral in Reims ancient history. The oldest cathedral building on this site dates back to 401. In the 9th century, on the site of a dilapidated old temple, the construction of a new one began. However, a huge fire in 1210 completely destroyed it. Then the third stage of construction began, as a result of which that majestic structure appeared, which has survived to this day.

The two 80-meter towers of the western facade of Reims Cathedral are the highest in France. They could have been even taller, since it was originally planned to crown them with high tents with spiers, but this plan did not materialize. In addition, they wanted to build five more towers, but this plan was also not implemented.

The peculiarity of the Reims Cathedral is the sculptures that glorified it. Only in the "Gallery of Kings" there are more than five hundred figures. There are about 2000 sculptures in total. Most of they were created in the 13th century. These are sculptural images of saints, bishops, knights, kings, artisans. Reims Cathedral is often called the "Cathedral of the Angels" because of the many sculptures depicting them. Reims Cathedral was badly damaged during the French Revolution. Even more severe damage was done to the cathedral during the First World War. Fully restoration work was completed only by 1996. I'm lucky. I was there in 1997.

Today, the majestic and at the same time harmonious cathedral continues to be a remarkable monument of French Gothic, the sculptures of which served as a model for other churches in France, Italy and Spain.

So what common features, and which belong to specific cathedrals? I hope it's not weak to answer! Dare!

rich cultural and historical heritage France makes the country interesting in terms of tourism in different directions. Gothic architecture is one of important factors attracting visitors to the country. Cathedrals designed in this style do not stand out from modern buildings, on the contrary, they emphasize the dignity of the surroundings.

Almost all of them are connected with important milestones in the formation of the state, the formation of cities in the form in which they are known and loved now. Traditionally external features Gothic religious buildings are complemented by appropriate interior decoration. Even without the original goal of visiting a couple of cathedrals, it is difficult to remain indifferent when passing by and not stop at least for a short acquaintance with the world of Gothic architecture.

The most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in France

Gothic style in France. Features of the architecture of temples and churches, photos and descriptions!

reims cathedral

It is named after the city where it is located. Built in the XII century. One of the tallest cathedrals, the towers reach a height of 80 m. It was the coronation site of most French monarchs. At the moment, restoration is underway, which does not interfere with tourism activities. Some elements of the decoration of the cathedral (statues, tapestries, etc.), partially damaged during World War II, are collected in a separate room.

Rouen Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Some of its parts were built in different centuries, the oldest is the northern tower, dated 1145. All that remained of it was the walls after the Second World War. The cathedral suffered many times from raids, fires, bad weather. Each time the damaged parts of the facade were restored. The interior decoration is emphasized strict, without unnecessary details. There are ancient statues.

Cathedral of Notre Dame

It is not only a tourist attraction, but also a functioning religious site. Located in Paris, founded in 1163. Here the weddings of monarchs, the transfer of power, memorial services of a state scale took place. Cathedral Square is rich in iconic places: kilometer zero, the prefecture, the Crypt of the porch of Notre Dame, where archaeological artifacts found during excavations near the cathedral are exhibited.

Church of Saint-Vulfran in Abbeville

Founded in 1488. There used to be another religious building on this site. For some time, the church was only a historical monument, but as a result, services began to be held again in 1998. The height of the bell tower is almost 56 m. There are only three floors, the first one has habitually high ceilings. There are also three chapels with personalized richly decorated altars and a mausoleum.

Chartres Cathedral

Located in the city of Chartres, founded in 1145. A rare religious building, preserved unchanged and without major restoration work. 10 thousand sculptures and other elements made of stone and glass make up the decoration of the cathedral. The north and south towers are very different in height and overall style. A special relic is the Shroud of the Virgin Mary. Another feature is the 16th century astronomical clock.

Tours Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Gatian of Tours)

Named after the city where it is the main attraction. Construction began in 1170. The full name includes the name of Saint Gatian, the first bishop of Tours. Although the façade towers look symmetrical from a distance, their heights vary: 68 m and 69 m respectively. Since there used to be another temple here, and later changes were made, the cathedral has some features of the Romanesque era and the Renaissance.

amiens cathedral

It is located in the city of the same name, bears the name of the Mother of God. Built in the first half to the middle of the 13th century. Representative of pure Gothic. The vault height is more than 42 m. The interior is designed in such a way as to visually expand the space, make it brighter and indivisible into sectors. The decoration uses a lot of sculptural elements. Including wood.

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral

Located in the Auvergne region, named after the Ascension of the Virgin Mary. Founded in 1248. The dark, almost black building contrasts very much with the buildings around and, due to its size and location on top of a hill, can be seen from anywhere. Antique sarcophagi, frescoes of the Middle Ages, valuable liturgical objects, unique elements of wall decoration are the features of the cathedral.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Orleans

Construction began in 1601. Repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed. During World War II, it was slightly damaged, but the main bell fell into disrepair. It was replaced with a new one in 2012. Excavations were carried out in the vicinity to learn more about the stages in the formation of the cathedral. It is indirectly connected with the story of Joan of Arc, who visited him during the siege of the city.

Evreux Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Construction began in the 11th century. The current appearance was formed later: the first cathedral burned twice and was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Through a covered gallery, the cathedral is connected with the Bishops' Palace. After restoration to former place the bell tower is back. The interiors contrast with each other: for example, the nave is made in the Romanesque style, while the choir is Gothic.

Abbey of Saint-Denis

Located in the municipality of the same name. Founded in the 12th century. During the existence of religious buildings on this site, 25 French monarchs were buried here. Some of the tombs were destroyed, some were reburied, but then returned to Saint-Denis. Some bones of kings and members of their families ended up in the ossuary of the abbey. Since 2004, the heart of Louis XVII, who never ascended the throne, rests here.

Metz Cathedral

Located in the city of Metz. It has a second name - St. Stephen's Cathedral. Founded in 1240. Its base is a Romanesque church, to which a nave was attached. Later there were choirs and a transverse nave. A bulky building with many pointed columns and narrow towers stands in the square of arms. The cathedral is famous for its wide painted stained-glass windows. 19 of them were made by the artist Chagall.

Nevers Cathedral

Located in the department of Nièvre. Founded in the X century. It has a number of other names, for example, Ser-Cyr Cathedral. The current look is a symbiosis of styles and the consequences of reconstructions. Western apse, choirs, facade walls - Romanesque style, nave - Gothic, facade towers - late Gothic. Each window has a unique painting. Stained-glass windows, as well as other decoration elements, belong to different historical periods.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Construction began in 1015. For more than a hundred years it was a Lutheran cathedral. Attraction - astronomical clock. They are decorated with all sorts of figures and ornaments. They have many additional features. The square in front of the cathedral is the venue for concerts in summer period. The walls are illuminated in different colors, changing to the tone of the music.

Notre Dame in Lana

The first temple was built here in the 8th century. Later, a building in the Romanesque style appeared. With the development of the city, it was necessary to expand it. There were more Gothic features: the nave, the transept, the choirs. The difference between this Notre Dame and cathedrals in other cities: light walls, so the local limestone was used, and galleries on the sides. Small choir stalls are also unusual, their rectangular shape is typical for the architecture of England.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes

The first stone was laid in 1434. Prior to that, there were three churches in succession. Construction stretched for more than 450 years. Gradually, Gothic elements absorbed Romanesque features. The walls of the building are almost white. The cathedral is associated with the legend of Bluebeard and with the stories of d'Artagnan. Of particular value is the double gravestone of the representatives of the house de Dreux - a masterpiece of French sculpture.

Cathedral of Saint-Louis in Blois

Founded in 1544. It has features of classicism. It was built in stages over three centuries. One of the chapels was built in the XII century, i.e. to the bookmark Saint-Louis. At the same time, it functioned. The historic stained glass windows have not survived and were replaced with copies in 2000. The crypt contains the sarcophagi of each of the local bishops. Attraction nearby - the castle of Blois.

Cathedral of Saint Peter in Beauvais

Founded in 1225. His Gothic choirs are the highest in existence. To give the cathedral an imposing appearance was one of the goals of the architects. In place of its nave is a Romanesque church. The southern façade is a classic example of late Gothic. The interior and facade decoration have their own peculiarities: carved wooden doors, astronomical clocks rich in details, stained-glass windows, tapestries of the Middle Ages.

Cathedral of Saints Just and Pastor

Construction began in 1272 in Narbonne. The building is listed as unfinished, although service has been conducted here for centuries. Its greyish-brown walls are perfectly inscribed in the architecture of the city with a dense building of streets. Each of the chapels is different in some way: a special altar, a sculptural composition, a collection of paintings on religious themes, items for liturgy, etc.

Bourges Cathedral

Located in Bourges. It was consecrated in 1324, although it continued to be completed. There is no transept, which is not typical for such temples: it does not have a cruciform shape. Since the cathedral was almost not damaged during wars and revolutions, 22 original stained glass windows have been preserved. The crypt contains ancient tombstones in perfect condition. And the astronomical clock has not stopped for more than 500 years.

Abbey Saint-Ouen

Located in Rouen. Founded in 553, it was rebuilt and restored many times. Gothic features appeared in the XIV century. Some buildings of the abbey were used for other purposes: in one city hall, in another factory. Now the premises are used for performances by classical musicians and exhibitions. In the gardens nearby there is a pond with a sculptural composition and a copy of the rune stone.

Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port

Founded in 1481. The city at that time was called Por. It was built in honor of Lorraine's independence. The church was re-consecrated by Pope Pius XII, after which it became a basilica. After World War II, the restoration took 15 years, including the replacement of almost all stained-glass windows. For nearly 200 years, it has officially been a historical monument of France.

Tula Cathedral (Tul)

Construction began in the 13th century. The façade is entirely in the Gothic style, but subsequently two chapels dating back to the Renaissance period appeared. During the revolution and the Second World War, some elements of decoration were lost, including the destruction of the roof and the organ. There was a monastery nearby. Religious events are not held, a popular tourist attraction.

Cathedral of Saint Cecilia in Albi

Founded in 1282. One of the largest brick buildings in the world. It was originally planned to use it as a fortress. A bell tower and the gates of Dominic of Florence were built nearby. The nave is the widest in the country. Small chapels lined up in a row replaced the classic aisles in the interior. The entrance has been moved to the south side, although in Gothic it is usually located in the west.

Cathedral in Saint-Paul-de-Leon

Located in Brittany. The beginning of construction in its current form is the XII century, before that there was ancient church. The choir and the aspid appeared much later than the founded part of the cathedral. The gargoyles on the facade have unusual view. The baptistery is mostly made of oak. The altars of each of the chapels are works of art. The stained glass windows show various scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.

Basilica of Saint Michael in Bordeaux

Construction started in the 14th century. Thanks to the bell tower, it is one of the highest cathedrals in France - 114 m. Works of art from different centuries are collected here, including the Pieta with the image of St. Ursula. The local crypt is an independent exhibition hall for sarcophagi and remains found during archaeological excavations nearby.

Church of Saint Eustache

Located in Paris. Date of foundation - 1532. The facade is made mainly in the style of classicism, it is complemented by the Renaissance, and the Gothic can be traced in the details of the interior decoration. The crypt contains the remains of Tiberio Fiorilli, a theater actor who lived in the 17th century. The pride of the church is an organ of 8,000 pipes. When assembling it, elements of old tools were used. Organ concerts are regularly held here.

Dijon Cathedral

Located in the city of the same name. Built at the end of the XIII-beginning of the XIV centuries. Pope Eugene III participated in the consecration of the temple that stood here earlier. The crypt contains the remains of Philip III and part of the relics of St. Venignin, in whose honor the cathedral bears official name. The decoration is dominated by asceticism: less decoration than usual. The height of the choir and nave, coupled with stained-glass windows, visually increase the space.

Notre Dame de Senlis

Located in the center of Senlis. Built in the second half of the 12th century. Since then, only the dome has undergone a major alteration, although additional decorative elements appeared until the 18th century. Light limestone was used for the walls. The height of the bell tower is 78 m. An important detail of the interior decoration is the original wall and ceiling paintings. Such frescoes are atypical not only for the present, but also for that time.

Rhodes Cathedral

Located in the city of Rodez. First mentioned in 516. In the past, one of its walls was part of the city wall. The new cathedral began to be rebuilt in the XIII century. The process was extended due to plague, fires and wars. Although it took centuries to complete the work, the style is the same. The bell tower is the most modern of the buildings in the composition. It is decorated with a statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by four angels.

Renaissance people with refined manners were outraged that art was taking on a form that was far from the canons of antiquity. They called the new style Gothic, that is, barbaric. Almost all the art of the Middle Ages fell under this definition.

When Romanesque art was at its peak in the twelfth century, a new trend began to emerge. Even the forms, lines and themes of the works differed significantly from everything that was before.

Gothic style in architecture is divided into several stages:

early Gothic;

the tall, or mature, species was pushed to its limit in the 13th century;

flaming, or late, flourished in the 14th-15th centuries.

The main location of the style

Gothic was popular where the Christian church dominated secular life. Thanks to the new type of architecture, temples, churches, monasteries, and churches appeared.

First try

The churchman ordered to remove several internal walls during construction. The abbey immediately began to seem more voluminous, solemn and large-scale.

Heritage

Although the Gothic style in architecture concentrates mainly on the individual experiences of a person, he also took a lot from his predecessor. Romanesque architecture transferred its laurels to this style and faded into the background.

The horizontal Romanesque style left room for the vertical stripes of the Gothic.

The cathedral

The Middle Ages are always identified with the development of Christianity. The Church received power not only in religious but also in secular life. She began to govern states, to put on the throne the monarchs she liked.

The cathedral has become the central place of any city. It was visited by parishioners, they studied in it, beggars lived here, and even theatrical performances were played. The sources often mention that the government also met in church premises.

The values of the new religion, forcibly imposed in the Crusades, spread the Gothic style in architecture in Syria, Rhodes, and Cyprus. And the monarchs, put on the throne by the Pope, saw divine guidance in sharp forms and began to actively use them in Spain, England, and Germany.

Characteristics of the Gothic style in architecture

The building of the Gothic style, as a rule, consists of:

traveya - elongated cells of a rectangular design:

four arches:

4 pillars;

the skeleton of the vault, which is formed from the arches and pillars mentioned above and has a cruciform shape;

arkbutanov - arches that serve to support the building;

buttresses - stable pillars outside the room, often decorated with carvings or spikes;

windows in an arched style, with mosaics, as clearly shows the Gothic style in the architecture of France and Germany.

Whereas in Romanesque classical art the church is separated from the outside world, Gothic seeks an interplay between nature on the outside and cathedral life on the inside.

Secular architecture in a new way

Considering that in the Dark Ages, the church and religion in general were inseparable from the daily life of the people of that time, the fashion for the Gothic style in the architecture of the Middle Ages spread everywhere.

Following the cathedrals, town halls began to be built with the same characteristic features, as well as residential buildings, castles, and mansions outside the city.

french gothic masterpieces

The founder of this style was a monk from the abbey of Saint-Denis, who decided to create a completely new building. He was called the godfather of the Gothic, and the church began to be shown as an example to other architects.

In the fourteenth century, another striking example of Gothic architecture arose in the capital of France, which became famous all over the world - Notre Dame Cathedral, a Catholic stronghold of faith in the city center, which has retained all the features of the Gothic style in architecture to this day.

The shrine was built where the Romans used to honor the god Jupiter. Since ancient times, the place has been an important religious center.

The first stone was laid in the new church by Pope Alexander III and Louis VII. The cathedral was designed by the famous architect Maurice de Sully.

Nevertheless, the founder of Notre Dame never saw his brainchild. After all, the cathedral was built only after a hundred years of continuous work.

According to the official idea, the temple was supposed to accommodate ten thousand citizens who lived in Paris at that time. And become a refuge and salvation in times of danger.

They took refuge here during revolutions and wars.

Arrangements of Notre Dame Cathedral

The frame of the cathedral is connected by many thin pillars with the help of an arch. Inside, the walls stretch high and close imperceptibly to the naked eye. The oblong windows are covered with colored stained glass. The hall is in darkness. The rays that nevertheless pass through the glass illuminate hundreds of sculptures made of silver, wax, and marble. Ordinary people, kings, ministers of the church in various poses froze in them.

Instead of the walls of the church, it was as if they simply placed a frame of dozens of pillars. Between them are colored paintings.

The cathedral has five naves. The third one is much larger than the others. Its height reaches thirty-five meters.

If measured in modern standards, then in such a cathedral you can easily place a twelve-story residential building.

The last two naves intersect and visually form a cross between them. It symbolizes the life and suffering of Jesus Christ.

Money from the public treasury went to the construction of the cathedral. The Parisians hoarded them, donated them after every Sunday service.

Germany

The towers have sharp ends. The middle nave is high, while the other four are about the same proportions. The decor for the cathedral is very light and elegant.

At the same time, stiff, dry proportions are noticeable.

The western branch of the church was completed in the nineteenth century.

2. Cathedral in Worms, built in the thirteenth century by order of the local steward.

3. Notre Dame in Ulm.

4. Cathedral in Naumburg.

Italian Gothic

Italy for a long time preferred to remain committed to ancient traditions, to the Romanesque style, and then to the Baroque and Rococo.

But this country could not help but be inspired by a new medieval trend at that time. After all, it was in Italy that the residence of the Pope was located.

In Venice, the builders missed in their drawings the constructivism that reigned in this direction. They focused on decorating.

The facade of the Palace is unique in its components. Thus, columns of white marble are built on the lower floor. They form lancet arches between themselves.

This Gothic-Italian style combined the luxury of Byzantine culture and European austerity. Piety and love for life.

Other Italian examples of the Gothic style in architecture:

The palace in Milan, which began to be built in the fourteenth century, and was completed in the nineteenth;

Palazzo d'Oro (or Palazzo Santa Sofia) in Venice.

Find out which temples are admired by travelers

A post shared by Rachel Brabin (@womanandwolf) on Mar 29, 2017 at 9:26am PDT

Gloucester Cathedral boasts the largest stained glass window of any Gothic cathedral in the world. It is also famous for the fact that four films about Harry Potter were filmed in it: it was this cathedral that turned into the Hogwarts school on the screen. The building of the cathedral belongs to the 11th century, was repeatedly repaired and is one of the most beautiful examples of the world's Gothic architecture.

The most beautiful Gothic cathedrals - Imperial Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, Frankfurt

The largest cathedral in Frankfurt for several centuries of the Middle Ages served as the coronation site of German emperors and kings. The Gothic cathedral began to be built in the middle of the 13th century. The stunning beauty and grandeur of the building that we can see today is the result of two major reconstructions. The first was held after a fire in 1867, the second - after the devastating bomb attacks during World War II. The most valuable relic of the cathedral is the upper part of the skull of the Apostle Bartholomew, who since 1239 has been considered the patron saint of the cathedral.
The Most Beautiful Gothic Cathedrals - Reims Cathedral, Reims

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The representative of the late French Gothic became favorite place coronation of French kings. Construction began in 1211 and continued until 1481. The gigantic temple, 150 meters long, with two 80-meter towers, soars rapidly into the sky. The building, as it were, grows out of the ground, rising, tier by tier, splitting up with many lancet arches, steep triangular pediments, sharp pyramidal spiers. The Cathedral of Reims is the tallest cathedral in France. Reims Cathedral is richly decorated with sculpture. No wonder it is called the "kingdom of sculpture." Reliefs carved from stone almost completely cover its main facade. At the main entrance, the visitor is greeted by a statue of Our Lady, to whom the temple is dedicated.
The Most Beautiful Gothic Cathedrals - Ulm Cathedral, Ulm

Religious buildings are often decorated with images of birds. Usually in the Christian tradition, these are either eagles, as a sign of the Lord, or doves, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Only in the city of Ulm, Germany, you can see gothic cathedral, decorated with statues of sparrows. These harmless birds have replaced predators on the roof of the cathedral not for some theological reason - it's just a kind of symbol of the city. Ulm Cathedral is the highest in Europe. The construction of the cathedral began in 1377 and was financed by the inhabitants of the city. As with many other large-scale construction projects, the process dragged on for a long time, and after another long stagnation, in 1543 the church became Lutheran, construction resumed, and in 1890 the spire was completed. The large Gothic spiers of the cathedral rise to a height of 161 meters. In addition to the tall spire, the cathedral is worth considering elegant carved oak choir stalls.
The Most Beautiful Gothic Cathedrals - Chartres Cathedral, Chartres

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Chartres Cathedral is truly one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. In 1979, the cathedral was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Chartres Cathedral is the first cathedral in French history dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Notre Dame de Chartres has survived to this day almost in its original form. The length of Chartres Cathedral is about 130 m, the height of the main arch of the nave from the floor is 36 m, the central and side naves together have a width of 32 meters with a transept of 45 meters wide. On the floor of the cathedral, a mysterious labyrinth dating back to 1205 is laid out in mosaic, which symbolizes the path of the believer to God.
The Most Beautiful Gothic Cathedrals - Seville Cathedral, Seville

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Seville Cathedral or the Cathedral of Maria de la Sede (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is a cathedral in the city of Seville (Spain), the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe. Built in 1401-1519 on the site of a former mosque left after the Reconquista. It has a length of about 116 meters and a width of 76 meters. The cathedral consists of five side aisles, a large main chapel. total area - 11 520 square meters. The main entrance to the cathedral is located on the south side, where the tomb of Christopher Columbus is also located. The remains of Columbus have been repeatedly moved, so some suggest that due to the mistake of the carriers, the remains of not Christopher, but his son Diego, are in the Seville Cathedral. The cathedral houses many relics and treasures, including paintings by Murillo, Velasquez, de Zurbaran and Goya. Seville Cathedral is the third largest church in the world.
The Cathedral of Seville is also famous for its gilded iconostasis. It is believed to be one of the largest iconostases in the world, covering an area of 220 square meters and containing over 1,000 gilded figures. It is said that it took more than 30 tons of gold to build it! The iconostasis contains 45 scenes, or paintings, from the life of Christ and the Mother of God.