Beginning in the mid-12th century, advancements in structural engineering enabled French builders to create massive structures.
to get to build extremely tall structures, walls had to be thinner and weigh less.
You’ll also find these types of arches inIslamic architecture.
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Decorative elements
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Gothic architecture is characterized by extremely ornate exterior decoration.
Gothic architecture originated in France and then spread across Europe, where you’ll find it used most widely.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The famous cathedral in Paris, France is considered a symbol of the French nation.
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It was built in 1163.
Duomo di Milano
Milan’s Duomo began construction in 1386 and is Italy’s largest church.
Cathedral of Barcelona
This Spanish cathedral was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries.
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It is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.
You’ll also find a lot of exterior embellishments in columns, moldings, spires, and statues.
It was a derogatory term at the time.
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Gothic architecture differs from Romanesque as it features thinner walls and pointed arches.
Romanesque architecture, by contrast, is characterized by heavy walls, barrel vaulting, and rounded arches.
You’ll also find stained glass and buttressing in Gothic architecture, which is not characteristic of Romanesque.
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