Worldly Famous Gothic Cathedrals and Key Characteristics of Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic cathedrals began being built in the later period of the Medieval Era know as the Gothic Era. Gothic was originally meant as an insult to the art and architecture that came from that time period due to the grotesque nature of some of the pieces. However, though many frowned upon this form of art it continued to flourish.

Gothic cathedrals have many distinct characteristics that made them unique. The rib vault is one architectural detail that makes them unique from other architecture created during this time period. The ribbed vault is created through the conjunction of several barrel vaults. A barrel vault is characterized by a curved roof with one solid wall and one wall of pillars. The ribbed vault is created when several of the barrel vaults intersect creating pointed arches within the ceiling of the tunnel.

Another architectural detail that can be found in Gothic cathedrals is the pointed arch also known as an Ogive. Before the Gothic Era arches were rounded on all architectural structures that were built for aesthetic purposes. However, the Gothic Era saw that birth of these pointed arches becoming more popular than the traditional rounded arch. The pointed arch is accomplished when two ellipses are formed that intersect in the middle. Instead of the two ellipses making a rounded arch, they are reversed to make a pointed arch.

The last quality that was born during this time period is called the Flying Buttress. The buttress is a support that is inside the wall and meant to protect the arched ceiling from collapse. The buttress protects the ceiling by taking the majority of the weight off of the surrounding structures. This architectural detail is found mainly in churches and other religious architecture. The flying buttress employs an empty space to transfer the weight of the arched ceiling to somewhere outside of the building for reinforcement. And the buttress almost seems to fly as a result of these architectural details. Thus the name the flying buttress.

The result of this unique architecture is a beautiful work that remains to this day in many countries. Gothic cathedrals can be found throughout the world still standing. The only difference is that they are now revered as an architectural marvel and the stigma of these buildings as having grotesque and ugly look is gone. These buildings are now looked upon as architectural marvels from a distinct period in our history.