Gothic Architecture

Westminster Abbey

Jan 1, 1066

The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart.

Basilica of Saint Denis/Basilique royale de Saint-Denis

Jan 1, 1144

The Basilica of Saint Denis also known as Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, or simply Basilique Saint-Denis is a large medieval abbey church in the city of Saint-Denis, now a northern suburb of Paris. The building is of unique importance historically and architecturally as its choir, completed in 1144, is considered to be the first Gothic church.

Chartres Cathedral

Jan 1, 1145

Chartres Cathedral marks the high point of French Gothic art. The vast nave, in pure ogival style, the porches adorned with fine sculptures from the middle of the 12th century, and the magnificent 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows, all in remarkable condition, combine to make it a masterpiece

Notre Dame de Paris

Jan 1, 1163

Notre-Dame de Paris is located on the Ile de la Cite island in the very center of Paris. It was built between 1163 and 1345 but it went through major alterations during the reigns of the Sun King, Louis XIV and his son Louis XV, and suffered severe damage during the French Revolution and World War II. The spectacular cathedral was returned to its original appearance after an extensive post-war restorat

Roskilde Cathedral

Jan 1, 1170

The first Gothic cathedral to be built of brick, it encouraged the spread of the Brick Gothic style throughout Northern Europe. Constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral incorporates both Gothic and Romanesque architectural features in its design.

Burgos Cathedral

Jan 1, 1221

The Burgos Cathedral is a medieval cathedral in Burgos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is famous for its vast size and unique Gothic architecture. Construction of Burgos Cathedral began in 1221, and after a lengthy hiatus of almost 2 centuries, was completed in 1567. In 1919 the cathedral became the burial place of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (“El Cid”), and his wife Doña Jimena

Cologne Cathedral

Jan 1, 1248

Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was not completed until 1880. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. Apart from its exceptional intrinsic value and the artistic masterpieces it contains, Cologne Cathedral testifies to the enduring strength of European Christianity.

Milan Cathedral

Jan 1, 1386

The construction began in 1386 and was completed only in 1865. The fourth largest cathedral in the world is characterized by its facade which extends into a forest of spires and pinnacles that have both aesthetic and structural purpose. Interestingly, one of the most impressive Gothic buildings ever built arouse mixed feelings when it was finally completed.

Maria Am Gestade

Jan 1, 1394

Maria Am Gestade was originally a wooden structure constructed by the boatsmen of Austria. In 1394, this wooden building was restructured into a perfectly shaped Gothic beauty, remarkable for its steep ground, narrowness, and pretty stained glass at the back of its Gothic altar. This building was used by Napoleon as a storehouse for its weapons and stall for its horses in 1850.

Florence Cathedral/Duomo

Jan 1, 1420

Also known as the Duomo, the Florence Cathedral is the most imposing building in Florence. The cathedral is famous for having the largest brick dome ever constructed which was designed by the renowned Italian Renaissance architect Fillippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446). However, at the time he won the competition for the construction of the dome, the rest of the cathedral was already completed.

Manchester Cathedral

Jan 1, 1421

Manchester Cathedral, formally the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George in Manchester, England, is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester, seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the city's parish church

Leuven Town Hall

Jan 1, 1448

One of the most popular Gothic town halls around the world, the Leuven Town Hall in Belgium is known for its harmonious dimensions and for the rich decoration of its walls. The architect behind the Gothic look of this building was Mathijs de Layens.

Church of St. Anne Vilnius

Mar 1, 1500

St. Anne's is a prominent landmark in the Old Town of Vilnius that enabled the district to be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and it is one of the most interesting examples of Gothic architecture in Lithuania.

The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor

Jan 1, 1512

The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is dedicated to St. Mary of the Incarnation. It is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, begun in 1512 and completed in 1540. It is the Cathedral of the Archbishop of Santo Domingo who has the honorary title of Primate of the Americas because Santo Domingo was the first Catholic diocese established in the New World.

Cathedral of Evora. Evora

Jan 1, 1746

A Romanesque-Gothic cathedral in Portugal, the Cathedral of Evora is best known for its many unique architectural elements and wealth of valuable treasures. It has a heavy stone façade flanked with two cone-topped, battlemented square towers as well as a detailed porch and central window.