Gothic architecture is one of the most widely-recognized architectural styles in the world. Beginning in France around 1140 CE and spreading throughout Europe over the next four centuries, it’s practically synonymous with the European Middle Ages.
Gothic is closely associated with churches, like Notre Dame in Paris, Canterbury Cathedral in England, and Cologne Cathedral in Germany. In fact, nearly all the great medieval cathedrals were built in the Gothic style, and it’s still common for churches all over the world even today. The word “Gothic” often calls to mind steep spires, soaring vaults, beautiful stained glass, and mysterious gargoyles.
In this course, we will explore Gothic architecture and its context. We’ll discover the style’s key features and components, how they developed, and how they work to keep buildings standing. We’ll learn how the architecture fit into medieval religion and culture, and we’ll identify the Gothic church’s many meanings. We’ll also find out how Gothic spread from France and England to the rest of Europe, how Gothic was revived in the 19th century, and what has happened to Gothic buildings since they were created.
Alexandra Kiely