1. Gothic Cathedrals Architecture of the Middle Ages

3. Gothic Cathedrals Many of Europe’s churches were incredible works of art. Cathedrals (large churches where bishops held services) were the grandest of all. The large size of cathedrals was meant to represent the medieval people’s faith. Starting in the 1100s, churches began to be built in the style called “gothic”. Many of these churches still stand today.

4. New Building Techniques New developments allowed the architects to make the church much larger and brighter. Some of these churches are as much as 120 feet (10 stories tall). Hundreds of people can attend services inside. By transferring the weight of the ceilings outward thrust to the flying buttresses, they were now able to place huge stain glass windows in the walls. This allowed the once dark churches to be transformed into a very bright and warm feeling Gothic Cathedral.

5. Gothic Architecture Gothic architecture has three distinct characteristics which set it apart from earlier churches. pointed arches ribbed vault flying buttresses Spires also add height to the buildings.

6. Ribbed Vault

7. Flying Buttress

8. Pointed Arches

9. Spires

10. Cathedral Art Beautiful art decorated the churches as a sign of devotion to God. Beautiful paintings and tapestries hung on the walls of the church. Some paintings (frescoes) and tile designs (mosaics) were completed right on the walls. Other items like books, cups, dishes, and even the bishops clothing were made of the finest materials.

11. Stained Glass Windows Stained glass windows had a special purpose in the cathedral. Since most churchgoers couldn’t read or understand the Latin sermon given by the priests, important Bible stories and messages were “told” by the windows of the church.

12. Stained Glass “Stories” This window is called “Biblia Pauperum” or “Bible of the Poor”. It is located in the Canterbury Cathedral in England.

13. Stained Glass “Stories” St. Etienne Cathedral, Bourges, France “Christ’s Entry Into Jerusalem” St. Etienne Cathedral, Bourges, France “The Last Supper”