Notre Dame
Gothic architecture lasted for only 300 years, but it remains an instantly recognizable style of architecture to this day. The most famous example known the world over is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The great Rose Window that is in the center of its front facade and ribbed vaults that push its ceiling to great heights are prime examples of Gothic architecture.
History
Gothic architecture was prominent during the medieval period in Europe and the name comes from the tribal people known as Goths. Gothicism was considered barbarian (like the Goths) to those who preferred the Roman ideal of architecture. Spanning from the 12th to the 16th century, Gothicism was prominent in France, England, Spain, Germany and Italy. While similarities exist between them, each country stamped its own ideas onto the movement so that there is no one perfect example of Gothic architecture.
Imposing Facades
The front of a Gothic building (in particular cathedrals) was meant to be imposing. It was a way to show wealth and power, or in the case of churches, illustrating God's might. The main door to the building is arched and topped by a sculpture, usually of religious significance as was the Gothic style. Because much of the architecture in medieval Europe was limited to only a few stories, the facade could be seen from far off, allowing it to be imposing even from a distance.
Towers
Gothic architecture was meant to emphasize height. An easy way to achieve this was to incorporate towers into the facades of buildings. Many facades in Gothic architecture have at least two towers (like Notre Dame Cathedral), though the number and placement of towers differs according to region. While towers as a part of the facade is the norm, the decoration of it is not. Gothic buildings may have similar structures, but they differ greatly in sculpture and decoration depending on the region.
Rose Windows
Gothic architecture allowed for the inclusion of large windows in a building's facade. One of the most common of these was called a rose window. These windows are based on the Roman oculus--a large circular opening looking into a temple. Rose windows are often found on the part of the facade directly opposite the nave (where the alter is located) of the church. While some are small, others are so large that they measure the entire width of the nave.
Ribbed Vaults
Part of the reason that the interior of Gothic structures were able to be so large were the moldings that acted as skeletons. These moldings, or ribs, are most visible in the vaulted ceilings of the buildings. They would often begin from pillars or half-columns and then arch across the ceiling, drawing the eye ever higher. Rather than being decorative like crown moldings, ones found in Gothic architecture help to hold the weight of the structure and allow for the use of lighter building materials.
