Gothic Architecture

In Northern France around 1140 was when the first style of architecture emerged which we now call Gothic. It began throughout the construction of great churches in the Paris region in a move towards greater height, light and volume. Later on it was used for palaces, castles, bridges, gates and city walls. The main features are the pointed arch, the rib vault, buttresses and window tracery. In time Gothic became a family of related styles throughout Europe. 

In the early 15th century interest for Gothic became a lot smaller, firstly in the city states of central Italy where it hadn't ever really been that popular. Although in Northern Europe it did carry on into the 16th century.

Early Gothic

Interior of the upper of Saite-Chapelle, Paris, France. Photograph by Steven Ballegeer.

Local adaptations of Gothic

South side of the nave of the church of St Catherine, Oppenheim, Germany, begun after 1317. Photograph by Sylvia Buettinger.

Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy. Photograph by Kieran Lynam.

Later Gothic

Cloister, San Juan de los Reyes, Toldedo, Spain, founded 1476. Photograph by Andy Carson.

Upper part of the south transept facade, St Vitus Cathedral, Prague, begun around 1371.

Castles

Bellver Castle, Majorca, Spain, 1309-40. Photograph by Salvador Busquets.

Caernarfon Castle, Wales, begun 1283.

Below are some pictures of the main features of Gothic Architecture:

Pointed Arch

Source: http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html

The Vault

Source: http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html

Buttress

Source: http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html

Window Tracery

Source:http://www.basiccarpentrytechniques.com/

Source Information: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/g/gothic-architecture/